1994 United States Senate election in Michigan

Background

Riegle, a three term incumbent, was considered one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats in the 1994 mid-term elections, due to the unpopularity of President Bill Clinton and his being involved as a member of the Keating Five, a group of five United States Senators who were accused of corruption. After months of speculation, Riegle announced he would not seek a 4th term in a speech on the Senate floor.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• William Brodhead, former U.S. Representative from Detroit
• Bob Carr, U.S. Representative from East Lansing
• Joel Ferguson, businessman and member of the Democratic National Committee
• John F. Kelly, State Senator from Grosse Pointe Woods
• Carl Marlinga, Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney
• Lana Pollack, State Senator from Ann Arbor

Declined

• Donald W. Riegle, incumbent Senator since 1977

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

• Spencer Abraham, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party
• Ronna Romney, conservative radio talk show host

Campaign

The Republican primary campaign amicably divided the Romney family. Though Ronna Romney had divorced Scott Romney two years prior, Scott's brother Mitt Romney (also a candidate for the United States Senate in Massachusetts) returned to Michigan to campaign for her. Scott and Mitt's father George W. Romney, the former Governor of Michigan, endorsed Abraham, having promised Abraham the endorsement prior to her candidacy. Her daughter, the future Chairman of the Republican National Committee Ronna Romney McDaniel, volunteered as a driver during her campaign.

Results

General election

Candidates

• Spencer Abraham, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party (Republican)
• Bob Carr, U.S. Representative from East Lansing (Democratic)
• Jon Coon (Libertarian)
• William Roundtree (Workers' World)
• Chris Wege (Natural Law)

Results

References

References

1. Richard L. Berke. (July 27, 1993). "Senate Democrats See Re-election Perils in '94". New York Times.
2. William J. Eaton. (September 29, 1993). "Riegle Is 3rd Keating Case Senator to Not Seek Office". Los Angeles Times.
3. (2 Jan 2019). "MI US Senate- D Primary".
4. (26 Jul 2012). "Mitt Romney stuck in family political drama on this date 18 years ago". Boston.com.
5. (26 Jul 1994). "Romney to stump for former in-law; His father backs rival Mich. hopeful".
6. "A complicated Romney family". POLITICO.
7. "Latest Romney in politics is not a candidate". Detroit Free Press.
8. (2 Jan 2019). "MI US Senate- R Primary".
9. Parker, Randy. (May 27, 2003). "Our Campaigns: MI U.S. Senate". Our Campaigns.
10. "STATISTICS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1994". United States House of Representatives.