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 narrowed down the candidate pool 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
Republican candidate
- John James
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) will run against Mike Rogers (R).
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 candidate:
- Callie Barr
Republican candidate:
- Jack Bergman (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Ben Ambrose
Republican candidate:
- John Moolenaar (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Hillary Scholten (incumbent)
Republican candidate:
- Terri DeBoer
Democrat candidate:
- Sean McCann
Republican candidate:
- Bill Huizenga (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Christian Vukasovich
Republican candidate:
- Tim Walberg (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Debbie Dingell (incumbent)
Republican candidate:
- Heather Smiley
Democrat candidate:
- William Lawrence
Republican candidate:
- Tom Barrett (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Kristen McDonald Rivet (incumbent)
Republican candidate:
- Thomas J. Smith
Democratic candidate:
- Ray Pooley
Republican candidate:
- Lisa McClain (incumbent)
Democrat candidate:
- Christina Hines
Republican candidate:
- Michael Bouchard
Democrat candidate:
- Jeremy Moss
Republican candidate:
- Ethan Baker
Democratic candidate:
- Rashina Tlaib (incumbent)
Republican candidate:
- James Hooper
Democrat candidate:
- Donavan McKinney
Republican candidate:
- T.P. Nykoriak
Ballot measures
Michiganders will vote on whether or not to hold a constitutional convention in 2026.
A Wayne County millage to fund the SMART bus system is also being proposed.
Election news by WDET
The Metro: She rebuilt her block when Highland Park couldn’t. Now she wants to run the city
When DTE repossessed about 1,400 Highland Park streetlights in 2011, residents filled the gap. On Avalon Street, that was Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris. Now she’s on the November ballot for mayor — and facing a question the city has lived with for a generation: what can neighbors fix, and what needs a government?
The Metro: What Abdul El-Sayed learned from being outspent 11-1
Michigan’s Democratic Senate nominee on the money, the Detroit voters who didn’t come with him, and why he won’t change how he talks about Gaza.
Detroit Evening Report: Primary election results
A review of last nights primary election results by WDET’s Jerome Vaughn. He covers who will be facing off for governor, the U.S. senate seat and more come November.
MichMash: A preview of the 2026 Michigan primary election
WDET’S Cheyna Roth, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss some of the key things to look out for in Tuesday’s elections. They are joined by Gongwer reporters Nick Smith and Lily Guiney.
Rashida Tlaib seeks fifth term in Congress
The Detroit Democrat is outspoken on many issues. She says that will not change if voters re-elect her.
Inkster mayor challenges Rep. Rashida Tlaib in Democratic primary
Byron Nolen says the incumbent has lost her focus on issues affecting the 12th Congressional District. He explains what he’d do differently.
Former state lawmaker aims to unseat Rep. Rashida Tlaib
Shanelle Jackson served in the Michigan House for six years. She says 12th U.S. House district needs an effective policymaker.
Citizen Vox: Parent searches for fresh ideas and better schools this election
Former Detroiter Stephanie Cochran shares her feeling of powerlessness in today’s political climate and stresses affordability as a key policy point.
Michigan’s Democratic senate primary is a tight, expensive race
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has grassroots support, but Haley Stevens’ big backers help her dominate the airwaves as Senate race hits final stretch.
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?
State Senate
Democratic candidates:
- Abraham Aiyash
- Justin Onwenu
Republican candidate:
- Patrick O’Connell
Democratic candidates:
- Abbas Alawieh
- Erin Byrnes
Republican candidate:
- Harry Sawicki
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Last updated: Aug. 5, 2026 at 10:43 p.m.
