Updates About Governor

The Michigan Senate Appropriations Health and Human Services Subcommittee advanced its version of the FY 2026 DHHS budget last week at $39.31 billion, coming in slightly higher than the Governor’s proposed $39.15 billion recommendation. Chair Sylvia Santana’s (D-Detroit) objectives include improving health outcomes for families while protecting essential services and preparing for potential decreases in federal Medicaid support.

Key Senate additions include $58 million for expanding Flint’s Rx Kids program, $13 million for water affordability initiatives, and $10 million for reproductive health access grants. The Senate also proposed smaller increases to Medicaid eligibility than Whitmer’s plan. The budget did not include funding for building a state psychiatric hospital in Northville or for health care services for incarcerated individuals prior to release. It also failed to include several items funded by opioid settlement dollars that were proposed in the Governor’s executive recommendation. However, the Senate added funding in areas such as permanent supportive housing, reproductive health access grants, children’s advocacy centers, non-clinical direct care worker pay, and medical debt relief.

Our state’s 2026 gubernatorial election is taking shape with high-profile candidates from across the political spectrum announcing their campaigns well ahead of the primary. So far, bids have been launched by a wide array of candidates, including department heads, sitting legislators, and local officials. Below is a snapshot of those who have officially declared their candidacy:

¶Declared Gubernatorial Candidates:

• John James (Republican) – U.S. Representative (Shelby Township)
• Aric Nesbitt (Republican) – Michigan Senate Minority Leader (Lawton)
• Jocelyn Benson (Democrat) – Michigan Secretary of State
• Garlin Gilchrist II (Democrat) – Michigan Lieutenant Governor
• Chris Swanson (Democrat) – Genesee County Sheriff
• Mike Duggan (Independent) – Mayor of Detroit

See Also: HILLARY SCHOLTEN OPTS FOR U.S. HOUSE REELECTION, BOWS OUT OF SENATE RACE for a list of candidates running for the open Michigan U.S. Senate seat in 2026.

The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to immediately take up a lawsuit filed by the state Senate against the House of Representatives, confirming the case will go through the normal legal process by having the Court of Appeals review it first. The ongoing dispute centers on the House’s refusal to formally present nine bills passed by the Senate during the last session, a procedural step required to send legislation to the governor.

While Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks had asked both the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court to weigh in on the matter immediately, the court said it was not persuaded to skip the usual legal process. However, it did order the Court of Appeals to expedite its review so the matter can move forward more quickly.

Related Articles: BRINKS SEEKS SUPREME COURT RULING AND MAKES SENATE RULE CHANGE IN ONGOING FIGHT OVER HOUSE BILLS • MICHIGAN HOUSE DECLINES TO SEND NINE BILLS TO GOVERNOR • SENATE DEMOCRATS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST SPEAKER HALL