Updates About Elections

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.

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.