This round of midterm elections has essential races on the local and national scale. Michigan will elect a new governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. Current senator Gary Peters announced his retirement, leaving one U.S. senate seat up for grabs, and elections are being held for state congress, and U.S. House representatives.
Also on the ballot: a Michigan constitutional convention.
The primary to narrow down the candidate pool takes place on Aug. 4, with Election Day falling on Nov. 3.
WDET will continue our Crossing the Lines series, focusing on Highland Park and Northville this election season.
Helpful links
Important dates
Register to vote
Request an absentee ballot
Track absentee ballot
Check voter registration status
Look up polling place
See what’s on your ballot
Election security informationJune 25: Absentee voting begins for the primary
July 6: Early voting for primary begins
Aug. 4: Primary
Nov. 3: General Election
Races to follow
Michigan Governor
Democrat candidates
- Jocelyn Benson
- Chris Swanson
- Kim Thomas
Republican candidates
- Mike Cox
- John James
- Perry Johnson
- Aric Nesbitt
- Ralph Rebandt
Attorney General
Democrat candidate
- Eli Savit
Republican candidate
- Doug Lloyd
Secretary of State
Democrat candidates
- Garlin Gilchrist II
Republican candidates
- Anthony Forlini
US Senator
There is one U.S. Senate seat open for Michigan. Incumbent Gary Peters has decided not to run for re-election.
Abdul El-Sayed (D), Mallory McMorrow (D), Haley Stevens (D), and Mike Rogers (R) are in the running.
US House
WDET is providing coverage for districts 5-7, 9-13. WDET will also provide coverage through the Michigan Public Radio Network of key events and candidates in Congressional Districts 1 – 4, 8.
Democrat candidates:
- Callie Barr
- Kyle Blomquist
- Wayne Stiles
Republican candidates
- Jack Bergman (incumbent)
- Matthew DenOtter
- Justin Michal
Independent candidate
- Zebulon Featherly
Democrat candidates:
- Benjamin Ambrose
- Andrew Ault
- Jamie Hill
- Clyde Welford
Republican candidates:
- John Moolenaar (incumbent)
Democrat candidates:
- Hillary Scholten (incumbent)
Republican candidates:
- Ryan Cushman
- Terri DeBoer
- J. Allen Fiorletta
Democrat candidates:
- Richard Aaron
- Diop Harris II
- Sean McCann
Republican candidates:
- Bill Huizenga (incumbent)
- Philip Tanis
Democrat candidate:
- Christian Vukasovich
Republican candidate:
- Tim Walberg (incumbent)
Green party candidate:
- James Bronke
Democrat candidates:
- Debbie Dingell (incumbent)
- Jason Cloutier
Republican candidate:
- Heather Smiley
Green Party candidate:
- Clyde Shabazz
Democrat candidates:
- Elyon Badger
- Bridget Brink
- William Lawrence
- Matt Maasdam
- Alexandra Prieditis
Republican candidate:
- Tom Barrett (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Kristen McDonald Rivet (incumbent)
Republican candidate:
- Amir Hassan
- Al Lemmo
- Thomas J. Smith
Democratic candidate:
- Ray Pooley
Republican candidate:
- Lisa McClain (incumbent)
Independent candidates:
- Jason Cartwright
- Fernando Valdez
Democrat candidates:
- Tripp Adams
- Eric Chung
- Tim Greimel
- Christina Hines
- Brian Steven Jaye
Republican candidates:
- Casey Armitage
- Michael Bouchard
- Steffan Demetropoulos
- Steven Elliot
- Cody Ingram
- Justin Kirk
- Robert Lulgjuraj
Democrat candidates:
- Aisha Farooqi
- Jeremy Moss
- John Paul Torres
- Don Ufford
Republican candidates:
- Ethan Baker
- Anthony Paesano
Democratic candidates:
- Rashina Tlaib (incumbent)
- Shanelle Jackson
- Byron Nolen
Republican candidate:
- James Hooper
Democrat candidates:
- Shri Thanedar (incumbent)
- Donavan McKinney
Republican candidates:
- Articia Bomer
- Andrew Lorenz
- Taras Nykoriak
Independent candidate:
- Maurice Morton
Ballot measures
Michiganders will vote on whether or not to hold a constitutional convention in 2026.
Election news by WDET
Eli Savit aims to be Michigan Attorney General
Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit defeated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald at April’s Democratic Party Convention. He spoke about his campaign.
MI GOP Chair: Democrats’ ‘woke’ policies are good for Republicans in 2026 election
Jim Runestad says he’s helped unify the Republican party in Michigan and that he’s confident in the candidates they’re putting forth for midterm elections.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow says she’s working to win over undecided voters, find path back to bipartisan cooperation
Mallory McMorrow sits down with Russ McNamara at the Mackinac Policy Conference to talk about the Democratic primary, bridging gaps between the parties and more.
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on reaching voters and prioritizing issues near home
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed learned a lot while leading health departments for Wayne County and Detroit. He shares how his experience has shaped his run for U.S. senate with Russ McNamara at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
The Metro: Jocelyn Benson on the cost of living, data centers and the race for governor
The Michigan Secretary of State, now the Democratic frontrunner to replace Gretchen Whitmer, joined The Metro live from the Mackinac Policy Conference to talk affordability, energy costs, data centers — and the questions trailing her campaign.
The Metro: Justin Onwenu says state government should protect residents from the ‘insanity’ of national politics
Justin Onwenu is running as a Democrat for District 1’s state Senate. He spoke about what he wants to change with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent.
MichMash: Why Mike Duggan dropped out, plus court ruling could affect funding
MichMash breaks down Mike Duggan’s decision to end his independent gubernatorial campaign and examines a Michigan Court of Claims ruling that could change how lawmakers use earmarks.
Mike Duggan ends independent bid for Michigan Governor
After months on the campaign trail, the former Detroit mayor says there is no realistic path forward for his gubernatorial run.
Detroit Evening Report: Mike Duggan drops out of Michigan governor’s race
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has dropped out of Michigan’s gubernatorial race, citing challenges tied to the political climate and fundraising struggles.
Mike Duggan is out
After 18 months, Mike Duggan has left the Michigan gubernatorial race.
Detroit Evening Report: Severe storms hit metro Detroit
Metro Detroit deals with storm damage. Plus, Councilmember Mary Waters is disqualified from running for the U.S. House, the Mackinac Policy Conference is next week, and more in this Detroit Evening Report.
The Metro: How Abraham Aiyash plans to lower costs if he’s elected to the state Senate
Former state Rep. Abraham Aiyash stresses affordability and lessening corporate influence in politics during his campaign for Michigan senate.