Tate was Michigan House Speaker from 2023 to 2025 and the state’s first black speaker. His campaign released an announcement video on Monday.

I’m running for U.S. Senate to lay a foundation for the next generation of Michiganders, one strong enough to protect the promise Michigan holds for every family. Let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/Zw7tJCJgKF

— Joe Tate (@JoeTate313) May 12, 2025

In the video, Tate’s campaign touted his football career, military service, and his accomplishments as Speaker. Tate was an offensive lineman for Michigan State before a brief stint in the NFL and served in the Marine Corps.

“On the battlefield and on the football field, I never backed down from a fight,” Tate said. 

Among his listed accomplishments as Speaker, Tate’s campaign cited his move to repeal the state’s abortion ban, his action to end Michigan’s right-to-work law, and his gun-control initiatives, all despite a one-vote majority in the Michigan House.

“We didn’t have the numbers or the margins,” Tate said in a statement shared with the Washington Examiner. “But we had urgency. And we delivered for the people who sent us there.”

The Democrat ended his term as Speaker on a low note. Tate couldn’t control House members enough to reach a quorum in the closing days of his term as Michigan House Republicans, and one Detroit Democrat refused to show up.

Tate issued a rare Call of the House, which directs state House sergeants to gather absent members and bar the chamber doors, but it failed. Democratic Michigan House Rep. Karen Whitsett said Tate “would not negotiate in good faith.” Whitsett waited in the office of then-Republican Minority Leader Matt Hall until the session had adjourned.

His failure to gather the House together in the chamber’s closing days prevented Democrats from passing legislation such as a proposed ban on ghost guns and bump stocks.

With video clips of Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, Tate set up national opposition to the Republican Party that he’ll exhibit further if he makes it to the Senate. “Washington has broken faith with us,” he said. “Instead of creating opportunity for all, Donald Trump and the Republicans are cutting taxes for the wealthy and well-connected, while Michigan families are asked to sacrifice more.”

“Michiganders work hard, raise families, and look out for one another,” Tate added. “They deserve a senator who does the same.”

Tate joins a myriad of Democrats hoping to join Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in the Senate: Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and former Michigan health official Abdul El-Sayed. Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has also shown interest in the race. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have signaled they won’t enter the race.

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Most political forecasters, including Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Cook Political Report, rate the race as a “toss-up.”

If Democrats lose the seat, they will have little chance of regaining or equalizing Senate control over Republicans.