Updates About Elections

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) has announced she will not run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, opting instead to seek reelection to the U.S. House. Scholten, who represents Michigan’s 3rd Congressional district, cited affordable health care, cost reductions, and the future of our state’s children as her key priorities for West Michigan residents.

With Scholten out, several other Democrats and Republicans are still considering a bid for the Senate seat:

Democrats Considering a Run:

• Attorney General Dana Nessel
• U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (Birmingham)
• U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (Bay City)
• Sen. Mallory McMorrow (Royal Oak)
• Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Officer

Republicans Considering a Run:

• U.S. Rep. John James (Shelby Township)
• U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (Zeeland)
• Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (White Lake)
• 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon
• 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Kevin Rinke
• State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (Coldwater)

As the race takes shape, Michigan voters can expect a highly competitive contest for the open Senate seat.

Former state senator Curtis Hertel Jr. has been elected as the new Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP). Hertel, who previously served as Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s legislative director before running for U.S. Congress, emphasized his commitment to strengthening the party and fighting for working families. Hertel has vowed to expand Democratic influence in Michigan ahead of the 2026 elections.

Meanwhile, at the Michigan Republican Party (MRP) convention, current Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) won the party chair election, defeating former MRP co-chair Meshawn Maddock. Runestad, who will continue serving in the Senate while leading the party, secured 63% of the vote before Maddock conceded. A staunch conservative, Runestad has pledged to refocus the party’s efforts on election integrity and grassroots engagement to regain legislative control in the Senate.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt has officially entered the 2026 race for Michigan governor, becoming the first major party candidate to declare his candidacy.

Nesbitt has stated his campaign will have a “Michigan First” agenda, while highlighting his background as a dairy farmer, father, and advocate for small business, agriculture, law enforcement, and the Second Amendment. He also expressed strong support for President Donald Trump and pledged to prioritize Michigan families and workers.

Other Republicans, including former Attorney General Mike Cox, 2022 candidates Tudor Dixon and Kevin Rinke, U.S. Representative John James, and former House Speaker Tom Leonard, are rumored to be considering bids at this time.