Updates About Elections

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has publicly launched her campaign for Michigan Attorney General, adding a high-profile Metro Detroit voice to the growing Democratic field.

Known statewide for her landmark prosecution of the Oxford High School shooter and his parents, McDonald is emphasizing her experience as a former judge, an educator, and mother in a campaign focused on protecting public safety, defending civil rights, and tackling complex legal challenges like gun violence and human trafficking.

Her career includes establishing Oakland County’s first Conviction Integrity Unit, a Hate Crimes Unit, and a Trafficking Unit, along with a commission aimed at reducing gun violence. McDonald now accompanies Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in seeking the Democratic nomination.

Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) recently shared the names of his appointees that will serve as House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) leadership leading into the 2026 election cycle. The new team will be responsible for guiding strategy, candidate support, and fundraising efforts as Republicans work to retain and grow their majority in the House.

The new HRCC leadership includes:

• Chair: Representative Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs)
• Vice Chair: Representative Brian BeGole (R-Perry)

Fairbairn and BeGole succeed Representative Bill Schuette (R-Midland), who served as chair during the 2024 election cycle.

Former House Speaker Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) has announced his candidacy for Michigan governor in 2026, marking his third run for statewide office. Leonard, who served in the House from 2013 to 2018 and was Speaker in his final term, previously came up short in attorney general races in 2018 and 2022.

His campaign will focus on improving third-grade reading scores, expanding mental health care access, and increasing government transparency by applying FOIA rules to the executive branch. Leonard also supports lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and reinstating the Right-to-Work law. He currently leads the government relations practice at Plunkett Cooney law firm.

Leonard joins a crowded GOP primary field alongside U.S. Rep. John James, former Attorney General Mike Cox, and current Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township). The Democratic field includes Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and Marni Sawicki, with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan running as an independent.

More information on the ever-changing 2026 election is covered here.