Actor and author Hill Harper is running for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, the New York Times reports.
Harper, known for his roles in the television series CSI: NY, Limitless, and The Good Doctor, entered the Democratic primary for the Senate seat, currently held by Debbie Stabenow, who is retiring.
Harper’s six books include Letters to a Young Brother: Manifest Your Destiny; Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny; and The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place. His most recent book, Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope, and Healing for Inmates and Their Loved Ones, was published in 2013; a critic for Kirkus called it “an inspiring jail companion guidebook brimming with straight-talking tough love.”
Harper shared a video announcing his run on Instagram. In the video, addressed to his son, Pierce, Harper says, “When you told me you were afraid to go to school because of shootings, that’s not freedom. Our economy works for the richest, while the most vulnerable have to work even harder than ever to keep up. That’s not freedom.”
Harper’s campaign website lists his priorities as pursuing climate justice, ending the Senate filibuster rule, creating jobs, and establishing universal healthcare.
Harper’s opponents in the Democratic primary include Rep. Elissa Slotkin, former state Rep. Leslie Love, and Michigan Board of Education President Pamela Pugh.
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
