U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham, a Democrat, has declared her interest in the upcoming U.S. Senate seat in Michigan.

Mich., launched her campaign for the Senate on Tuesday, joining a Democratic primary that is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country next year — in a tightly divided state also set to be a competitive Senate battleground in the midterm elections.

Stevens' congressional experience, pro-manufacturing ties and fundraising acumen could give her a leg up in the Democratic nomination race.