How Michigan Democrats running for Senate differ on AI, data center rules

Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary has spotlighted sharp divisions over how to regulate artificial intelligence, with the three candidates offering starkly different approaches. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive from Ann Arbor, proposed treating AI companies like public utilities and backing Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ plan to grant the federal government a 50% stake in major AI firms. He argued for a new federal agency, modeled after the Federal Reserve, to oversee the industry and prevent corporate influence. Mallory McMorrow, a state senator from Royal Oak, prioritized transparency, whistleblower protections, and independent AI model testing before public release. Her plan includes a ‘token’ tax on commercial AI use, with funds earmarked for apprenticeships in roles like people management—areas she claims AI cannot replicate. During a recent debate, El-Sayed criticized her tax as insufficient, calling for stronger regulatory infrastructure. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham focused on worker training and auto industry protections, distinguishing herself by supporting federal preemption of state AI laws to avoid regulatory fragmentation. The candidates’ differing stances reflect broader tensions in Michigan, where AI-driven data centers—such as OpenAI’s $16 billion project in Saline Township—have sparked backlash over energy demands and environmental impacts. The race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters is heating up ahead of the August 4 primary, with the winner facing Republican Mike Rogers in November. Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent meeting with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the data center site underscored the state’s role in AI’s expansion, even as residents protest land use and resource consumption. The primary’s AI debate highlights how the issue is reshaping Michigan’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.