Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., co-sponsored a House resolution encouraging a feminist approach to foreign policy, despite positioning herself as a moderate Democratic candidate for Michigan’s open Senate seat. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., in March 2023, advocates for gender equality, human rights, and dismantling patriarchal power structures. The measure reflects the broader priorities of the Democratic Party, while Stevens’ campaign emphasizes her focus on economic issues such as lowering costs, strengthening manufacturing, and creating jobs. The open Senate seat in Michigan is facing a crowded field of candidates, including state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former Rep. Mike Rogers.
Stevens, who has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies, has taken steps to distance herself from more radical elements within the Democratic Party. Her campaign has highlighted her appeal to moderate voters, including Republicans, by emphasizing her economic focus. However, her support for the feminist foreign policy resolution illustrates the tensions within the party between progressive and moderate factions. The resolution, which was supported by several progressive Democrats, including Reps. Jasmine Crockett, Pramila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib, emphasizes the importance of integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of foreign policy, including trade, diplomacy, and immigration.
The feminist foreign policy approach, as outlined in the resolution, seeks to prioritize peace, gender equality, and environmental integrity while challenging colonial, racist, and patriarchal power structures. The resolution calls for significant resources to be allocated to achieving these goals, including funding for research and humanitarian efforts. It also advocates for an intersectional analysis that addresses multiple systems of discrimination, such as race, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. Despite the resolution’s progressive stance, Stevens’ campaign continues to emphasize her economic platform as a differentiator in the crowded Senate race.
The open Senate seat in Michigan is a key battleground for the Democratic Party, with several prominent candidates vying for the nomination. Democratic candidates include state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, former Michigan health officer Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate. On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers is running for a second consecutive Senate cycle, alongside Frederick Heurtebise and Kent Benham. Lydia Christensen is the sole independent candidate in the race so far. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Stevens’ co-sponsorship of the feminist foreign policy resolution highlights the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party, as candidates navigate the challenge of appealing to both progressive and moderate voters. While Stevens has framed herself as a moderate, her support for the resolution underscores the ongoing influence of progressive ideals within the party. The resolution itself represents a significant shift in foreign policy discourse, emphasizing the role of gender equality in shaping international relations. As the Senate race in Michigan unfolds, the intersection of Stevens’ economic platform and her political affiliations will likely be a key topic of discussion among voters and analysts alike.