Hill Harper, well known for his role in The Good Doctor, has declared his candidacy for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. The announcement was made on Monday, July 10, and the 57-year-old actor said that he will run for the Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who launched her Senate race in February 2023. Harper joins Slotkin and other Democrats in filling the seat of Senator Debbie Stabenow, who declared in January that she will not seek re-election to a fifth term in 2024.
Hill Harper addresses his son, Pierce, whom he adopted in 2017, in a video statement published on July 10 via his Twitter handle, and reminds him that he is growing up in a hazardous world. “At the core of so much of this are too many politicians in office that don’t really care about people. I believe our government should work for the people, be a force for good and protect our freedoms. And that won’t happen if we keep electing the same type of people to office.” In the video caption, he explained why he is running for Senator, adding that the people need legislators “who’ll take on special interests, get money out of politics, and make our government work for all of us.”
Hill Harper: Education and academic achievements
Hill Harper was born in Iowa City, Iowa on May 17, 1966. He was born to two doctors, one of them was a psychiatrist, and the other an anesthesiologist. He graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was named Valedictorian of his department. Harper went on to receive a J.D. (with honors) from Harvard Law School and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with honors from the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Winston-Salem State University, Le-Moyne Owen College, Dillard University, Howard University, Cheyney University, Westfield State College, and Tougaloo College all awarded him doctorates.
Hill Harper’s most known role was as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes in the CBS blockbuster television series CSI: NY, which aired from 2004 to 2013. He received three NAACP Image Awards for best lead actor in a drama series for this performance. Along with his great performing career, Harper has established himself as a prolific author, with four of his titles being New York Times bestsellers. Letters to a Young Brother, Letters to a Young Sister, The Conversation, and The Wealth Cure are among his literary accomplishments. Notably, The Wealth Cure delves into Harper’s personal fight with thyroid cancer and his difficult road to recovery. Letters to a Young Brother was named the Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association in 2007. Letters to a Young Brother won multiple awards in 2007, including the American Library Association’s Best Book for Young Adults.
Background and political experience
Hill Harper described himself as a union member, activist, and small company owner in an interview with The Associated Press before formally launching his campaign. He stated that his lack of “career politician” experience would benefit him in Congress and that he was starting a campaign “powered by the people, for the people.” “It’s not about party. It’s about people feeling represented. And being an independent voice in the U.S. Senate is something I believe Michiganders want right now.” According to Politico, Hill Harper invested in a coffee company named Roasting Plant Coffee in 2017. Harper, a cancer survivor, was appointed to President Barack Obama’s cancer council in 2012.
