Hill Harper is setting his sights on a new role — United States senator.
The Good Doctor and CSI: NY actor launched his bid on Monday, July 10, to replace Michigan’s retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
He will take on U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin for the Democratic nomination.
In his announcement video, Harper addressed his son Pierce and said he wants to make changes in a world that’s becoming more “divisive and dangerous.”
“Fighting for what you believe in is hard enough, but it’s worth doing when you’ve found something that makes your heart beat faster and for me, that’s you,” Harper said.
Related Story: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Bill Blocking Rap Lyrics as Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Iowa native noted that he bought a coffee shop in Detroit and is a small business owner, as well as a union member. He beat cancer and served on former President Barack Obama’s cancer panel. Still, he described being a father to his adopted son as his greatest role.
“Every child, in every town across Michigan deserves the freedom to flourish. I believe our government should work for the people,” he said. “That won’t happen if we keep electing the same type of people to office. That’s why I’m running for the United States Senate, to represent Michigan.”
Harper, 57, is a member of SAG-AFTRA and has had a successful Hollywood career. He’s starred in numerous films and TV shows, including Homeland, Covert Affairs, and City of Angels. He graduated from Brown University and Harvard Law School before becoming an actor.
Insider reports Harper faces an “uphill battle” against Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the race to the November 2024 election.
Slotkin is a three-term House member. She kicked off her Senate campaign in February, has raised millions of dollars, and has received key endorsements from other Michigan Democrats.
She grew up on a farm in Michigan, speaks fluent Arabic and Swahili, and served three tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst. Slotkin worked for the State Department and the Department of Defense during the Obama administration, and flipped a traditionally Republican district when she was initially elected to Congress in 2018.
Watch Hill Harper’s campaign announcement below:
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
