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
US Senator Gary Peters endorses Haley Stevens
Peters had initially declined to endorse anyone in the race. He tells WDET that it’s a “pivotal time” in the country’s history.
Debate Week recap with the Freep’s Nancy Kaffer
Detroit Free Press Editorial Page Editor Nancy Kaffer said that although she has been covering Michigan politics for 26 years, she is unsure about what will happen next in this election.
The Metro: The Republican gubernatorial campaigns — and the shifts they signal about the party
Last week, two debates spotlighted the active Republican candidates for governor: Congressman John James, Mike Cox, and Perry Johnson. Who are they, and what do their campaigns reveal about the Republican Party in Michigan?
The Metro: What Michigan’s Senate race reveals about the state — and future — of the Democratic Party
“All the eyes are on Michigan to see what the Democratic Party is going to do and who they’re going to choose,” says political consultant Dennis Darnoi.
McMorrow drops bid for US Senate
McMorrow had trouble finding a lane—and funding—as neither the most moderate, nor the most progressive in the race.
MichMash: Review of major political stories and a forecast of what’s ahead
This episode of MichMash covers President Trump endorsing John James for governor, Mike Duggan dropping out of the race and more big stories surrounding midterms.
Political commentator Hasan Piker explains endorsement of El-Sayed for US Senate
Piker’s campus stops in support of Abdul El-Sayed this spring drew condemnation from critics—and El-Sayed’s opponents.
Michigan’s first public forest authority emerges in Keweenaw County
Voters can choose forest authority board members in the November general election.
MichMash: Michigan US Senate race begins to take shape; State Senator Singh weighs in on the budget process
The latest on a closely watched statewide campaign, plus an inside look at budget talks from State Sen. Sam Singh.
Detroit Evening Report: Mary Waters campaigns for write-in votes
Mary Waters is still running for congress in Michigan’s 13th district after failing to reach the primary ballot for lack of signatures. Plus, overdose rates decline and more in this Detroit Evening Report.
MichMash: Michigan primary voters could pick nominees for secretary of state and attorney general
This week on MichMash, Lon Johnson talks about a proposal to move nominations for two of the state’s top offices to the primary ballot.
Black women face obstacles to funding, recruitment in running for office
Eboni Taylor discusses the difficulties of electing Black women with a small crowd in Palmer Park.