Updates About Elections

With new additions and recent drop-outs, the number of candidates running to replace termed-out Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) and retiring U.S. Senator Gary Peters seems to be ever-changing. Below is the updated list of contenders for each race:

¶Gubernatorial Candidates:

• Running as a Democrat:
  • Jocelyn Benson: Michigan Secretary of State
  • Garlin Gilchrist II: Michigan Lieutenant Governor
  • Chris Swanson: Genesee County Sheriff
• Running as a Republican:
  • John James: U.S. Representative (Shelby Township)
  • Aric Nesbitt: Michigan Senate Minority Leader (Lawton)
  • Mike Cox: Former Attorney General
• Running as an Independent:
  • Mike Duggan: Mayor of Detroit
• Party Affiliation Not Announced:
  • Anthony Hudson: Truck Driver (Genesee County)

¶U.S. Senate Candidates:

• Running as a Democrat:
  • Joe Tate: Former Michigan Speaker of the House, Current State Representative (Detroit)
  • Haley Stevens: U.S. Representative (Birmingham)
  • Mallory McMorrow: Michigan Senator (Royal Oak)
  • Abdul El-Sayed: Wayne County Health Officer (Ann Arbor)
• Running as a Republican:
  • Mike Rogers: Former U.S. Representative (White Lake)

See our full coverage of 2026 election news here.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer confirmed recently that a special election will be called to fill the vacant 35th Senate District seat, which has remained unoccupied since U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) was elected to Congress last fall. While Whitmer acknowledged the election is forthcoming, no official timeline has been announced, and her office continues to review potential dates. The vacancy has drawn criticism from Republicans and local business groups urging action, as it marks the longest unresolved legislative vacancy during the governor’s tenure. The outcome of the special election could impact the current 19-18 Democratic majority in the Senate, with the possibility of a 19-19 tie if Republicans win the seat. The 35th Senate District is considered politically competitive and includes the tri-cities Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw.

After a quiet 2024 election cycle with no statewide ballot proposals, early indicators suggest Michigan voters will face several proposals in 2026. At a minimum, they will be asked whether to convene a constitutional convention—a question required every 16 years by the Michigan Constitution, and one voters have consistently rejected in the past. Meanwhile, new petition drives are already underway, including a proposed constitutional amendment that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. The proposal echoes recent national conversations and has sparked debate, with supporters citing election security and critics warning of potential barriers to voting.

Additional proposals could also make the ballot if enough signatures are gathered. These include efforts to expand Michigan’s Bottle Bill, introduce ranked choice voting, and remove the dormant ban on same-sex marriage from the Constitution. Some groups are also eyeing potential referendums or amendments on taxes and minimum wage. With over 440,000 valid signatures needed and stricter rules around how they’re collected, getting a proposal on the ballot won’t be easy or cheap. Still, if even a few proposals make it through, this would signal that ballot issues are back in a big way for Michigan voters.