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United States Senate election in Michigan, 2026

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2024
U.S. Senate, Michigan
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 21, 2026
Primary: August 4, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Michigan

Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss-up
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending
Inside Elections: Toss-up
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
U.S. Senate, Michigan
U.S. Senate1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12th13th
Michigan elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

Voters in Michigan will elect one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 3, 2026. The primary is August 4, 2026. The filing deadline is April 21, 2026. The election will fill the Class II Senate seat held by Gary Peters (D), who first took office in 2015.

Peters announced in January 2025 that he would not seek re-election, saying, "After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, I believe now is time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins."[1] The Associated Press's Joey Cappelletti and Isabella Volmert wrote, "Having lost Michigan in the presidential race, Peters’ decision forces Democrats to defend a critical Senate seat in Michigan without the advantage of an incumbent, complicating their efforts to regain control of the chamber, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority."[1]

The 2024 Senate race in Michigan was decided by 0.3 percentage points, with Elissa Slotkin (D) defeating Mike Rogers (R) 48.6%-48.3%.

As of February 27, 2026, noteworthy declared and potential candidates included the following. Click here to view all of the candidates for the seat:

El-Sayed, a doctor and former public health official, said, "It’s way too hard to survive here in the richest, most powerful country in the world and it should not be this hard to get by."[2] U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) endorsed El-Sayed, saying, "Abdul is a physician who understands that our current health care system is broken and wildly expensive. He understands that health care is a human right, which is why he supports Medicare for All."[2]

McMorrow told Politico in an interview, "I’ve built up my chops in the state legislature, but I’m not from Washington. I am an outsider who has built a name for myself or a perception of being able to cut through the noise and fight when we need to fight, and also work to deliver for people."[3]

Stevens said, "I’m running for Senate because just like that day I got these keys to that old Cutlass, we have the power to chart our own path. I’m proud of Michigan and I’ll never get tired of saying it. It would be my honor to fight for you in the Senate."[4] Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) endorsed Stevens.[5]

The Rogers campaign said, "'Show up and do the hard work.' That is the lesson that Mike’s parents taught him and his four brothers growing up in Livingston County — and it is the same lesson that he will live by as Michigan’s next U.S. senator. For too long, Michigan has been sold short by politicians who campaign as 'moderates' but govern as radical leftists. That ends today."[6] Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R) and National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Sen. Tim Scott (R) both endorsed Rogers.[6]

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) announced on July 23, 2025, that he would not run for the seat.[7] He had written on X in April 2025, "With the filing deadline nearly a year away and Team Huizenga raising more than $925,000, I will continue to talk with voters and ask them who they believe is the best candidate for Republicans to nominate and elect to serve Michigan in the U.S. Senate."[8]

State Rep. Joseph Tate (D), who was elected to the Michigan House in 2018, dropped out of the race on August 8, 2025.[9]

The Detroit Free Press's Todd Spangler wrote that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (D), who declined to run, "had been considered a top contender for the Democratic nomination for the seat."[10]

President Donald Trump (R) won the popular vote in Michigan 49.7%-48.3% in 2024. In 2020, Joe Biden (D) won the state's popular vote 50.6%-47.8%. Michigan's last Republican senator was Spencer Abraham, who left office in 2001.

The outcome of this race will affect the partisan balance of the U.S. Senate in the 120th Congress. Thirty-three of the 100 U.S. Senate seats are up for election, and another two seats are up for special election. Democrats hold 13 of the seats up for election, and Republicans hold 22.

Currently, Republicans have a 53-45 majority in the chamber.[11] To read more about the U.S. Senate elections taking place this year, click here.

This is one of nine open U.S. Senate races this year in which an incumbent is not running for re-election. Across the country, four Democrats and five Republicans are not running for re-election — more than any year since 2012. In 2024, eight incumbents — four Democrats, two Republicans, and two independents — did not seek re-election.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

General election

The primary will occur on August 4, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. Senate Michigan

TJ Stephens, Lydia Christensen, and Craig Henley Johnson are running in the general election for U.S. Senate Michigan on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of TJ Stephens
TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated) Candidate Connection
Image of Lydia Christensen
Lydia Christensen (Independent) Candidate Connection
Craig Henley Johnson (Independent)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed, Rachel Howard, Mallory McMorrow, Haley Stevens, and Travis Zollner are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Michigan on August 4, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Michigan

The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Michigan on August 4, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Image of TJ Stephens

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Unaffiliated

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography "My name is T.J. Stephens, and I am running with no party affiliation for the U.S. Senate representing Michigan. I am not a politician. I am a senior executive in the medical software industry with a diverse background that includes working as a volunteer firefighter, on an oil rig, and in real estate. My career in healthcare began after a frustrating personal battle with an insurance company at age 18, an experience that ignited my passion to fix broken systems and fight for consumers. I am running for office because I believe the two-party system is failing us. My allegiance is not to a political party, but to the people of Michigan. My core philosophy is rooted in direct representation and radical transparency, ensuring that the government is a tool for the people, not the other way around. I am dedicated to listening, not convincing, and my goal is to restore power to the individual and ensure every citizen has a direct voice in their governance."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


No Party. Just People. I believe the two-party system is the primary source of division and dysfunction in our government. My allegiance is not to a party platform or political donors, but directly to the people of Michigan. As a true independent, I will be an honest voice for our state, focused on finding commonsense solutions that benefit everyone, not just one side of the aisle.


Direct Representation for Every Citizen. My job is to be a listener, not a politician. I am running to restore power to the individual by creating a system where every citizen's voice is heard and matters. I will work to ensure that the government is a tool for the people, not the other way around. My role is to represent your will and be a direct conduit for your concerns in Washington.


Radical Transparency and Accountability. Trust in our leaders is broken, and the only way to earn it back is through absolute honesty. I have been transparent about my own past, and I will demand that same level of accountability from our government. I am committed to commonsense reforms that eliminate backroom deals and ensure every action taken by our elected officials is done in the open, for the people to see.

Image of Lydia Christensen

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Independent

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography "I am a transgender candidate running for the US Senate. I know the struggles of facing public scrutiny and have the heart to stand up for others. I was trained as a computer scientist but started my own company IronFortressLLC in order to live the values i hold. I love music and find joy and connection in beautiful natural environments."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


The core component of my campaign is that of preservation of our constitution, upholding our civil rights and declaring our digital rights are necessary to ensuring that the American people remain free. All men are created equal and our government should hold that promise true.


The second key component of my campaign is preserving our national forests and clean renewable energy. These contribute to the beauty of our landscape and ensure that future generations get to grow up and enjoy the beauty untouched by man that the earth has to offer us. Transitioning to clean renewable energy gives humanity a sustainable future and helps create a strong economy by creating jobs and strength in the American Economy


The Third component of my campaign is a Medicaid for all proposal. Medicaid for all is a complete and comprehensive healthcare plan from birth to the grave for all US Citizens. No family should bear the cost of a medical issue, no one should forgo healthcare because of the costs. Medicaid for all ensures that no matter who you are or how much you make you can get quality healthcare that works for you. Politicians should not be in charge of your medical needs and Medicaid for all puts the power of your medical decisions back into the hands of you and your doctor.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Michigan

Election information in Michigan: Aug. 4, 2026, election.

What is the voter registration deadline?

  • In-person: Aug. 4, 2026
  • By mail: Postmarked by July 20, 2026
  • Online: July 20, 2026

Is absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

N/A

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

  • In-person: Aug. 3, 2026
  • By mail: Received by July 31, 2026
  • Online: July 31, 2026

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

  • In-person: Aug. 11, 2026
  • By mail: Received by Aug. 11, 2026

Is early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What are the early voting start and end dates?

July 25, 2026 to Aug. 2, 2026

Are all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, is a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When are polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET/CT)

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

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Lydia Christensen (Independent)

The core component of my campaign is that of preservation of our constitution, upholding our civil rights and declaring our digital rights are necessary to ensuring that the American people remain free. All men are created equal and our government should hold that promise true.

The second key component of my campaign is preserving our national forests and clean renewable energy. These contribute to the beauty of our landscape and ensure that future generations get to grow up and enjoy the beauty untouched by man that the earth has to offer us. Transitioning to clean renewable energy gives humanity a sustainable future and helps create a strong economy by creating jobs and strength in the American Economy

The Third component of my campaign is a Medicaid for all proposal. Medicaid for all is a complete and comprehensive healthcare plan from birth to the grave for all US Citizens. No family should bear the cost of a medical issue, no one should forgo healthcare because of the costs. Medicaid for all ensures that no matter who you are or how much you make you can get quality healthcare that works for you. Politicians should not be in charge of your medical needs and Medicaid for all puts the power of your medical decisions back into the hands of you and your doctor.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

No Party. Just People.

I believe the two-party system is the primary source of division and dysfunction in our government. My allegiance is not to a party platform or political donors, but directly to the people of Michigan. As a true independent, I will be an honest voice for our state, focused on finding commonsense solutions that benefit everyone, not just one side of the aisle.

Direct Representation for Every Citizen.

My job is to be a listener, not a politician. I am running to restore power to the individual by creating a system where every citizen's voice is heard and matters. I will work to ensure that the government is a tool for the people, not the other way around. My role is to represent your will and be a direct conduit for your concerns in Washington.

Radical Transparency and Accountability.

Trust in our leaders is broken, and the only way to earn it back is through absolute honesty. I have been transparent about my own past, and I will demand that same level of accountability from our government. I am committed to commonsense reforms that eliminate backroom deals and ensure every action taken by our elected officials is done in the open, for the people to see.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Lydia_Christensen_20250510_113631.png

Lydia Christensen (Independent)

Healthcare, constitutional rights, Emerging Technology, Digital Rights, Infrastructure and building a strong economy. civil rights and equality for all.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

Healthcare Reform

Immigration Reform Government Accountability and Transparency

Supporting American Workers and Industries
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

The person I look up to most is my grandmother, who I called Mimi.

She wasn't a politician or a CEO; she was a woman of incredible strength, integrity, and unconditional love. Throughout my life, especially during the most difficult times, she was the one person who always stood by me and believed in me without question.

Mimi embodied the values I believe are most important. She had a no-nonsense, commonsense way of looking at the world and a work ethic that never wavered. She taught me that you don't complain about problems, you work to fix them. She believed in personal responsibility, in treating everyone with respect, and in the simple but profound power of honesty.

Her example is the one I strive to follow. She taught me that your character is defined by how you treat people and that you should always stand up for what's right, even when it's hard. That's the principle I live by, and it's the kind of integrity I want to bring to the U.S. Senate. Her life is a constant reminder that the most important work is done not for praise or for power, but for the people you love and the community you serve.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

Integrity and Honesty,

An elected official's word must be their bond. Integrity is the bedrock of public trust, meaning an official's actions align with their stated principles and the law, even when no one is watching. This includes transparency in their dealings and a willingness to be held accountable for their decisions. Without integrity, voters cannot have faith in their leaders or the democratic process.

Commitment to Service, Holding public office is an act of service, not a path to personal enrichment or power. The most effective officials are driven by a genuine desire to improve their communities and the lives of their constituents. This principle, often called public-spiritedness, means prioritizing the needs of the people over personal ambition or the demands of a political party.

Empathy and Understanding, To represent a diverse population, an official must have empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. They need to listen to different perspectives and appreciate the challenges faced by people from all walks of life. An empathetic leader makes more inclusive and compassionate decisions because they can see the human impact of public policy.

Courage and Principled Leadership, Elected officials often face immense pressure to make popular decisions rather than the right ones. Courage is the willingness to stand by one's principles and make difficult choices for the long-term good, even if they are politically risky. Principled leadership involves having a clear vision and the strength to pursue it, inspiring others to work toward a common goal.

Pragmatism and Sound Judgment,

Effective governance requires practical wisdom. Pragmatism is the ability to find workable solutions to complex problems, often through compromise and collaboration. Officials must exercise sound judgment, making decisions based on evidence, reason, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences, rather than ideology or emotion.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

To Legislate and Govern

The primary responsibility is to write, debate, and vote on federal laws that affect every American. This requires a deep understanding of complex issues and a commitment to creating policies that promote national security, economic prosperity, and individual liberty. As a senator for Michigan, this duty also involves ensuring that the unique needs of our state—from our manufacturing sector and auto industry to the health of the Great Lakes—are championed during the legislative process.

To Provide Oversight and Accountability A crucial part of the Senate's role as a co-equal branch of government is to conduct oversight of the executive branch. This means holding hearings, investigating waste and abuse, and ensuring that federal agencies are implementing laws as Congress intended. It is the Senate's job to ask tough questions and demand accountability to ensure the government remains transparent and works efficiently for the taxpayers. This includes the Senate's unique constitutional duty of "Advise and Consent" on presidential appointments, such as cabinet members and federal judges, and the ratification of international treaties.

To Serve as an Advocate for the People

Beyond the halls of Congress, a senator must be a tireless advocate and resource for the people of their state. This is the most important responsibility. It involves constituent services—helping individuals, families, and small businesses cut through federal red tape, access benefits they are entitled to, and resolve problems with government agencies. It means listening to the concerns of Michiganders in every community, from the U.P. to Detroit, and carrying their voices and stories into the national conversation.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I want to leave a legacy of a government that is once again truly "of, by, and for the people."

My goal is not to be remembered for the bills I passed, but for fundamentally changing the relationship between the elected and the electorate. I want my legacy to be that of the senator who helped restore power to the individual citizen and proved that our system can work for everyone, not just the powerful.

I hope to be remembered as a fiercely independent voice who helped break the grip of the two-party system, proving that a leader's only allegiance should be to their constituents and their conscience. I want my time in office to be defined by pioneering new ways for citizens to be heard and have a meaningful voice in their own governance.

Ultimately, I hope people will look back and say, "T.J. Stephens was a man of his word. He listened more than he talked, he put people before politics, and he left our republic a little more honest and a little more in the hands of the people than he found it." That is the only legacy worth fighting for.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

The first major historical event I remember with vivid clarity is the September 11th attacks. I was 16 years old.

I was a freshman in high school in Texas, sitting in my first-period science class when the news broke. I remember a TVs being turned on, and the initial confusion as we watched smoke billowing from the North Tower, thinking it was a terrible accident. When the second plane hit the South Tower live on television, the entire room went silent. We all knew, in that instant, that this was a deliberate attack and the world had just fundamentally changed. We spent the rest of that surreal day watching the towers fall, seeing the images from the Pentagon, and hearing the heroic story of Flight 93.

For me, and I think for my entire generation, it was a profound loss of innocence. Our sense of safety was gone. But what I also remember, and what has stuck with me ever since, was the incredible sense of unity that swept the nation in the days and weeks that followed. For a brief time, we weren't Republicans or Democrats; we were just Americans. That memory of a unified country is a powerful reminder of what we are capable of when we put aside our divisions, and it's a spirit I believe we must strive to reclaim.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I'll be honest, I've never been an avid reader of novels due to a lifelong struggle with dyslexia. But one of the first full books I ever finished was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and the story of how I came to read it has always stuck with me.

At the time, the book was making national news, and it was so controversial that it was actually pulled from my school's library shelves. That didn't sit right with me. I couldn't understand why adults would ban a book, so I decided I needed to read it for myself to understand what all the fuss was about.

I went to the public library, and because of my dyslexia, I checked out both the physical book and the audiobook. I spent weeks listening and following along with the words on the page.

That experience was about more than just magic and wizards; it taught me a valuable lesson that has become a core principle in my life: you should always question things and form your own opinions, rather than letting an authority figure tell you what to think or what you're allowed to read.

As for the controversy that started it all—I'm still trying to figure that part out.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

That's an easy one for me: Robin Hood.

Most people think of him as the character who "stole from the rich and gave to the poor," but the story is much deeper than that.

At its heart, Robin Hood's story isn't just about money; it's about fighting against a corrupt and unjust system. He saw that the government, led by the Sheriff of Nottingham, was using its power to enrich itself and its cronies while the common people suffered under heavy taxes and unfair laws.

He chose to live outside that broken system, not for personal gain, but to be a voice for those who had none. He built a community based on loyalty and a shared sense of justice.

That story resonates with me because I see a similar dynamic today. Our government has become disconnected from the people it's supposed to serve. It listens to powerful special interests and party insiders while everyday families struggle. Like Robin Hood, I believe we need a principled outsider to challenge that system and fight for a government that is fair and just for everyone. It's a timeless story about fighting for the underdog, and that's a fight I will always be proud to join.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

My greatest struggle has been the long and difficult journey to find my purpose and overcome the mistakes of my youth.

In my late teens and early twenties, I was adrift. I bounced from construction to farming to working on an oil rig, all while making a series of poor choices that led to a legal record I am not proud of, which I have detailed publicly. I knew I was capable of more, but I didn't know how to get there, and that sense of frustration and aimlessness was a heavy burden.

The turning point came from a deeply frustrating personal experience with the healthcare system. For the first time, I saw a complex, broken system and felt a clear and undeniable call to try and fix it. It was the spark that gave me direction.

Channeling my energy into a career in healthcare gave me the purpose I had been missing. It took years of hard work to build a life and a career I could be proud of, but that struggle taught me a profound lesson: your past does not have to be your destiny. It taught me empathy for those who are still trying to find their way and a deep appreciation for the power of a second chance.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I believe our greatest challenges over the next decade are not foreign adversaries, but the internal divisions that test our national character and our ability to function as a unified republic.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I strongly support implementing term limits for all members of the U.S. Congress. I believe our government should be one of citizen legislators, not a permanent class of career politicians. While experience can be valuable, the corrosive influence of long-term incumbency, special interests, and political stagnation far outweighs its benefits.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

Equal Representation and Long-Term Focus,

Unlike the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, the Senate gives equal power to every state, with each electing two senators. This structure ensures that less populated states have a powerful voice in federal legislation. Senators serve six-year terms, which are three times longer than those of their House colleagues. This extended term is designed to insulate them from the pressures of short-term public opinion, allowing them to focus on long-term policy and act as a stabilizing, more deliberative force in Congress.

The Power of "Advise and Consent" The Senate holds the exclusive constitutional power to provide "Advise and Consent" on presidential nominations. This means it is solely responsible for confirming or rejecting key appointments, including: Supreme Court Justices and federal judges Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads Ambassadors and other high-ranking officials

This authority serves as a crucial check on the power of the President. Additionally, the Senate must ratify all international treaties with a two-thirds vote, giving it a direct role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Unique Rules and Procedures The Senate operates with rules that empower individual members and the minority party far more than in the House. The most famous of these is the filibuster, a procedural tactic that allows a senator (or group of senators) to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate. Ending a filibuster requires a cloture vote, which currently needs a supermajority of 60 senators. This rule effectively means that most major, controversial legislation needs bipartisan support to pass, forcing compromise and moderation.

A Continuous Body with Judicial Power

With staggered elections, the Senate is a continuous body, ensuring stability. It also holds the unique judicial power to act as the court in impeachment trials, with the authority to convict and remove federal officials from office
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

No, I do not believe that prior experience in government is essential to be an effective senator. While that experience can be useful, it is far from the most important qualification and can sometimes be a significant disadvantage. What matters more are a person's integrity, their real-world experience, and their commitment to serving the people they represent.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I believe the filibuster, in its current form, is a primary cause of the gridlock and hyper-partisanship that has paralyzed Washington. While it was intended to encourage moderation and protect the rights of the minority, it has evolved into a tool of routine obstruction that stifles debate and blocks the will of the American people.
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TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

While I am forging my own path as non-partisan, the senator I most admire and wish to emulate in principle is former Republican Senator from Maine, Margaret Chase Smith.

What I admire most is her profound courage and integrity in a moment of national crisis. In 1950, at the height of the Cold War, Senator Joseph McCarthy was rising to power by creating a climate of fear and division with baseless accusations. He was a powerful and feared figure within her own party.

As a freshman senator, Margaret Chase Smith risked her entire political career by taking to the Senate floor to deliver her famous "Declaration of Conscience." She denounced the tactics of fear, ignorance, and smear, stating that the nation was being debased by character assassination and that freedom of speech was being threatened. She did this not to gain politically, but because her conscience demanded it.

That act embodies the qualities I believe are most essential for a senator:

A fierce independence that places fealty to the Constitution above loyalty to a political party.

The courage to speak truth to power, especially when it is unpopular.

An unwavering commitment to the principles of decency and integrity.

She proved that a single senator, acting on principle, can change the course of history. That is the standard of public service I will hold myself to.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

My evaluation of a judicial nominee would be guided by a single, overriding principle: a judge’s role is to interpret the law as written, not to legislate from the bench. I would apply three specific criteria to any nominee for a lifetime appointment: their judicial philosophy, their qualifications, and their commitment to impartiality.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I would build relationships based on policy and mutual respect, not on political party. My goal in the Senate is to solve problems and be a voice for Michigan, not to engage in partisan warfare.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

Yes, compromise is not only desirable but absolutely necessary for effective policymaking in a diverse nation of over 330 million people. Our system of government was designed to force deliberation and consensus, not to have one side impose its will on the other. However, it is crucial to distinguish between principled compromise and political capitulation.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

The U.S. Senate's investigative power is one of its most important constitutional responsibilities, acting as a crucial check on the executive branch and a tool to inform the public. This power must be wielded with fairness, impartiality, and a clear legislative purpose—not as a political weapon.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

When deciding whether to confirm a presidential appointee to their Cabinet, I would apply three primary criteria: Competence, Integrity, and Commitment to the Constitution. My duty is to the American people, not to the President or any political party, and my vote would reflect that.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

While I have been moved by many powerful, individual stories, the most memorable and impactful story is the one I hear over and over again in every corner of Michigan.

It's the story of people feeling completely invisible to their government. I've talked to autoworkers in Detroit, farmers in the Thumb, and small business owners in the Upper Peninsula, and the common thread that unites them is the deep and frustrating feeling that no one in Washington is actually listening to them or fighting for their interests.

They see a government that responds to lobbyists, party insiders, and corporate donors, but not to them. This isn't a Republican or a Democrat issue; it's an American issue. Hearing this same story of frustration from people of all backgrounds is what fuels my campaign and solidifies my belief that the system is fundamentally broken.

It is my hope that with my diverse background and my commitment to service, I can be a champion for every person who feels left behind. My mission is to show people how this job should be done—with compassion, empathy, and selflessness. The most memorable story is the collective voice of the unheard, and that is the voice I am running to represent.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

I don't think of my life in terms of pride because I believe we can always do better.

That said, the accomplishment I value most is not a single event or an award, but a consistent, lifelong mission: to help people and solve problems. This has been the one constant throughout my life. Whether it was fighting fires as a volunteer, fixing houses for those in need, or now, working to solve complex challenges in the healthcare industry, my driving force has always been the same.

My core belief is that if someone comes to me with a problem, it becomes my mission to help them find a solution. It’s about leaving things better than I found them, one person and one problem at a time.

That is the same mindset I want to bring to the U.S. Senate. I don't see the office as a position of power, but as the ultimate opportunity to serve. The accomplishment I am truly seeking is a future where our government is once again a force for helping people.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

The United States government has a critical role to play in the development of artificial intelligence, but it must be a balanced one: to champion American innovation while establishing clear guardrails to ensure AI is developed and used safely, ethically, and for the benefit of all Americans.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/TJ_Stephens_2025.jpg

TJ Stephens (Unaffiliated)

My guiding principle for any election legislation is that it should be easy to vote and hard to cheat. The goal is not to favor one party, but to restore the American people's faith in the integrity and security of our democratic process. I would enact a package of commonsense, non-partisan reforms to achieve this.

1. Secure and Accessible Voter Identification To ensure that every legal vote is counted and protected, I support a national standard for voter identification. However, the right to vote should be free and unencumbered. This provision would require the federal government to provide a free, secure, national voter ID card to every registered citizen who requests one. We would fund mobile and pop-up registration centers to ensure these IDs are easily accessible to all, including those in rural communities, the elderly, and low-income citizens.


2. Mandatory, Transparent Post-Election Audits To eliminate suspicion and build confidence in election results, this provision would mandate that all states conduct statistically sound, hand-counted audits for all federal elections. These "risk-limiting audits" are the gold standard for verifying that the reported outcome is correct. The process would be fully transparent, conducted by bipartisan officials, and live-streamed for the public to observe. This is a simple, powerful way to prove the integrity of the vote.


3. Federal Protections for Election Workers

Our democracy depends on thousands of non-partisan, volunteer poll workers and dedicated election officials. The recent trend of threatening and intimidating these public servants is a threat to our entire system. This provision would create strong federal penalties for anyone who threatens, harasses, or harms an election official. We must protect the impartial referees of our democracy from political intimidation.



Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Abdul El-Sayed Democratic Party $5,350,824 $3,371,645 $1,979,180 As of December 31, 2025
Rachel Howard Democratic Party $10,937 $6,171 $4,766 As of September 30, 2025
Mallory McMorrow Democratic Party $5,595,106 $3,643,959 $1,951,147 As of December 31, 2025
Haley Stevens Democratic Party $6,839,672 $3,785,379 $3,054,294 As of December 31, 2025
Travis Zollner Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Kent Benham Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Frederick Heurtebise Republican Party $10,059 $10,059 $0 As of May 3, 2025
Andrew Kamal Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Mike Rogers Republican Party $5,382,858 $2,183,555 $3,454,035 As of December 31, 2025
Genevieve Peters Scott Republican Party $58,146 $52,339 $5,807 As of December 31, 2025
Bernadette Smith Republican Party $14,797 $6,385 $8,412 As of December 31, 2025
TJ Stephens Unaffiliated $1,000 $220 $780 As of December 31, 2025
Lydia Christensen Independent $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Craig Henley Johnson Independent $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

Democratic-held Senate seat in state Trump won

This is one of two Senate seats Democrats are defending in states President Donald Trump (R) won in the 2024 presidential election:

Republicans are defending one Senate seats in a state Kamala Harris (D) won in 2024.

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

Polls are conducted with a variety of methodologies and have margins of error or credibility intervals.[12] The Pew Research Center wrote, "A margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level means that if we fielded the same survey 100 times, we would expect the result to be within 3 percentage points of the true population value 95 of those times."[13] For tips on reading polls from FiveThirtyEight, click here. For tips from Pew, click here.

Below we provide results for polls from a wide variety of sources, including media outlets, social media, campaigns, and aggregation websites, when available. We only report polls for which we can find a margin of error or credibility interval. Know of something we're missing? Click here to let us know.


United States Senate election in Michigan, 2026: General election polls
PollDatesEl-SayedMcMorrowRogersStevensDon't Know/Refused/OtherUndecided/RefusedSample sizeMargin of errorSponsor
The Glengariff Group, Inc. (includes El-Sayed)
Note

Two-way race between Rogers and El-Sayed

41.6--48--10.4--
600 LV
± 4.0%
WDIV/Detroit News
The Glengariff Group, Inc. (includes McMorrow)
Note

Two-way race between Rogers and McMorrow

--42.445.7--11.9--
600 LV
± 4.0%
WDIV/Detroit News
The Glengariff Group, Inc. (includes Stevens)
Note

Two-way race between Rogers and Stevens

----44.143.712.2--
600 LV
± 4.0%
WDIV/Detroit News
Mitchell Research and Communications (includes El-Sayed)
Note

Hypothetical matchup between Mike Rogers (R) and Abdul El-Sayed (D).

38--41----22
616 LV
± 3.7%
N/A
Mitchell Research and Communications (includes McMorrow)
Note

Hypothetical matchup between Mike Rogers (R) and Mallory McMorrow (D).

--3844----19
616 LV
± 3.7%
N/A
Mitchell Research and Communications (includes Stevens)
Note

Hypothetical matchup between Mike Rogers (R) and Haley Stevens (D).

----4240--18
616 LV
± 3.7%
N/A
EPIC-MRA
Note

Participants were asked: "If the election for U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were Mike Rogers and Mallory McMorrow, would you vote for Mike Rogers the Republican or Mallory McMorrow the Democrat?"

--4342----15
600 RV
± 4.0%
EPIC-MRA
Note

Participants were asked: "If the election for U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were Mike Rogers and Haley Stevens, would you vote for Mike Rogers the Republican or Haley Stevens the Democrat? "

----4244--14
600 RV
± 4.0%
Note: LV is likely voters, RV is registered voters, and EV is eligible voters.


General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

  • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
  • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
  • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[14]
  • Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[15][16][17]

Race ratings: U.S. Senate election in Michigan, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
2/17/20262/17/20262/10/20262/3/2026
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterToss-upToss-upToss-upToss-up
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesToss-upToss-upToss-upToss-up
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallToss-upToss-upToss-upToss-up
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. Senate candidates in Michigan in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Michigan, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. Senate candidates, 2026
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
Michigan U.S. Senate Democrat or Republican 15,000-30,000 N/A 4/21/2026 Source
Michigan U.S. Senate Unaffiliated 12,000-60,000 N/A 7/16/2026 Source


Election history

The section below details election results for this state's U.S. Senate elections dating back to 2018.

2024

See also: United States Senate election in Michigan, 2024

General election
General election for U.S. Senate Michigan

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Michigan on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Elissa Slotkin
Elissa Slotkin (D)
 
48.6
 
2,712,686
Image of Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers (R)
 
48.3
 
2,693,680
Image of Joseph Solis-Mullen
Joseph Solis-Mullen (L) Candidate Connection
 
1.0
 
56,697
Image of Douglas P. Marsh
Douglas P. Marsh (G) Candidate Connection
 
1.0
 
53,978
Image of Dave Stein
Dave Stein (U.S. Taxpayers Party)
 
0.7
 
41,363
Image of Doug Dern
Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)
 
0.3
 
18,779
Image of Valerie Willis
Valerie Willis (U.S. Taxpayers Party) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
2
James Chapman (R) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
1
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
4

Total votes: 5,577,190
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Michigan

Elissa Slotkin defeated Hill Harper in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Michigan on August 6, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Elissa Slotkin
Elissa Slotkin
 
76.3
 
712,791
Image of Hill Harper
Hill Harper
 
23.7
 
221,053

Total votes: 933,844
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate Michigan

Mike Rogers defeated Justin Amash, Sherry O'Donnell, and Sandy Pensler in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Michigan on August 6, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers
 
63.2
 
555,766
Image of Justin Amash
Justin Amash
 
15.6
 
137,565
Image of Sherry O'Donnell
Sherry O'Donnell Candidate Connection
 
12.1
 
106,466
Image of Sandy Pensler
Sandy Pensler
 
9.1
 
79,772

Total votes: 879,569
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Green convention
Green convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Douglas P. Marsh advanced from the Green convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on June 15, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Douglas P. Marsh
Douglas P. Marsh (G) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Joseph Solis-Mullen advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on July 20, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Joseph Solis-Mullen
Joseph Solis-Mullen (L) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Natural Law Party convention
Natural Law Party convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Doug Dern advanced from the Natural Law Party convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on April 17, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Doug Dern
Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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U.S. Taxpayers Party convention
U.S. Taxpayers Party convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Dave Stein advanced from the U.S. Taxpayers Party convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on July 27, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Dave Stein
Dave Stein (U.S. Taxpayers Party)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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2020

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Michigan

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Michigan on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Gary Peters
Gary Peters (D) Candidate Connection
 
49.9
 
2,734,568
Image of John James
John James (R) Candidate Connection
 
48.2
 
2,642,233
Image of Valerie Willis
Valerie Willis (U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan)
 
0.9
 
50,597
Image of Marcia Squier
Marcia Squier (G) Candidate Connection
 
0.7
 
39,217
Image of Doug Dern
Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)
 
0.2
 
13,093
Image of Leonard Gadzinski
Leonard Gadzinski (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
7
Image of Bob Carr
Bob Carr (R) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
5

Total votes: 5,479,720
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Michigan

Incumbent Gary Peters advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Michigan on August 4, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Gary Peters
Gary Peters Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
1,180,780

Total votes: 1,180,780
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Michigan

John James advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Michigan on August 4, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John James
John James Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
1,005,315

Total votes: 1,005,315
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Green convention

Green convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Marcia Squier advanced from the Green convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on June 20, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Marcia Squier
Marcia Squier (G) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Natural Law Party convention

Natural Law Party convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Doug Dern advanced from the Natural Law Party convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on July 30, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Doug Dern
Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan convention

U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan convention for U.S. Senate Michigan

Valerie Willis advanced from the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan convention for U.S. Senate Michigan on July 25, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Valerie Willis
Valerie Willis (U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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2018

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Michigan

Incumbent Debbie Stabenow defeated John James, Marcia Squier, George Huffman III, and John Howard Wilhelm in the general election for U.S. Senate Michigan on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Debbie Stabenow
Debbie Stabenow (D)
 
52.3
 
2,214,478
Image of John James
John James (R)
 
45.8
 
1,938,818
Image of Marcia Squier
Marcia Squier (G)
 
0.9
 
40,204
George Huffman III (U.S. Taxpayers Party)
 
0.6
 
27,251
Image of John Howard Wilhelm
John Howard Wilhelm (Natural Law Party)
 
0.4
 
16,502
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
18

Total votes: 4,237,271
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Election analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.

  • Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
  • Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
  • State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
  • Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.


See also: Presidential voting trends in Michigan and The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Cook PVI by congressional district

2024 presidential results by 2026 congressional district lines

2024 presidential results in congressional districts, Michigan
DistrictKamala Harris Democratic PartyDonald Trump Republican Party
Michigan's 1st39.0%60.0%
Michigan's 2nd34.0%64.0%
Michigan's 3rd53.0%45.0%
Michigan's 4th46.0%52.0%
Michigan's 5th36.0%63.0%
Michigan's 6th60.0%37.0%
Michigan's 7th49.0%50.0%
Michigan's 8th48.0%50.0%
Michigan's 9th33.0%65.0%
Michigan's 10th46.0%52.0%
Michigan's 11th57.0%41.0%
Michigan's 12th67.0%29.0%
Michigan's 13th69.0%28.0%
Source: The Downballot

2016-2024

How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:


Following the 2024 presidential election, 45.7% of Michiganians lived in one of the state's 72 Solid Republican counties, which voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election from 2016 to 2024, and 43.9% lived in one of 7 Solid Democratic counties. Overall, Michigan was Battleground Republican, having voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016, Joe Biden (D) in 2020, and Donald Trump (R) in 2024. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in Michigan following the 2024 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.

Historical voting trends

Michigan presidential election results (1900-2024)

  • 13 Democratic wins
  • 18 Republican wins
  • 1 other win
Year 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2024
Winning Party R R R P[18] R R R R D D R D R R R D D D R R R R R D D D D D D R D R

This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.

U.S. Senate elections

See also: List of United States Senators from Michigan

The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in Michigan.

U.S. Senate election results in Michigan
RaceWinnerRunner up
202448.6%Democratic Party48.3%Republican Party
202049.9%Democratic Party48.2%Republican Party
201852.3%Democratic Party45.8%Republican Party
201454.6%Democratic Party41.3%Republican Party
201258.6%Democratic Party38.0%Republican Party
Average52.844.3

Gubernatorial elections

See also: Governor of Michigan

The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in Michigan.

Gubernatorial election results in Michigan
RaceWinnerRunner up
202254.5%Democratic Party43.9%Republican Party
201853.3%Democratic Party43.7%Republican Party
201450.9%Republican Party46.9%Democratic Party
201058.1%Republican Party39.9%Democratic Party
200656.4%Democratic Party42.3%Republican Party
Average54.643.3
See also: Party control of Michigan state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Michigan's congressional delegation as of October 2025.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Michigan
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 2 6 8
Republican 0 7 7
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
Total 2 13 15

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Michigan's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.

State executive officials in Michigan, October 2025
OfficeOfficeholder
GovernorDemocratic Party Gretchen Whitmer
Lieutenant GovernorDemocratic Party Garlin Gilchrist II
Secretary of StateDemocratic Party Jocelyn Benson
Attorney GeneralDemocratic Party Dana Nessel

State legislature

Michigan State Senate

Party As of October 2025
     Democratic Party 19
     Republican Party 18
     Other 0
     Vacancies 1
Total 38

Michigan House of Representatives

Party As of October 2025
     Democratic Party 52
     Republican Party 58
     Other 0
     Vacancies 0
Total 110

Trifecta control

Michigan Party Control: 1992-2025
Two years of Democratic trifectas  •  Fourteen years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Governor R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D
Senate R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D
House D S S R R D D R R R R R R R R D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R D D R

The table below details demographic data in Michigan and compares it to the broader United States as of 2023.

Demographic Data for Michigan
Michigan United States
Population 10,077,331 331,449,281
Land area (sq mi) 56,610 3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White 74.8% 63.4%
Black/African American 13.4% 12.4%
Asian 3.3% 5.8%
Native American 0.5% 0.9%
Pacific Islander 0.3% 0.4%
Other (single race) 1.8% 6.6%
Multiple 6.3% 10.7%
Hispanic/Latino 5.7% 19%
Education
High school graduation rate 91.9% 89.4%
College graduation rate 31.8% 35%
Income
Median household income $71,149 $78,538
Persons below poverty level 13.1% 12.4%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2018-2023).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

See also

Michigan 2026 primaries 2026 U.S. Congress elections
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Michigan congressional delegation
Voting in Michigan
Michigan elections:
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U.S. Congress elections
U.S. Senate elections
U.S. House elections
Special elections
Ballot access

External links

Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Associated Press, "Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters will not run for reelection, opening a key Senate seat in 2026," January 28, 2025
  2. 2.0 2.1 MLive, "Former gubernatorial candidate El-Sayed joins Michigan’s 2026 U.S. Senate race," April 17, 2025
  3. Politico, "A Rising Democratic Star Is Ready for New Leadership — Without Chuck Schumer," March 25, 2025
  4. Politico, "Haley Stevens launches Senate bid in Michigan," April 22, 2025
  5. The Detroit News, "Nancy Pelosi backs Stevens for Senate in Michigan," May 22, 2025
  6. 6.0 6.1 Detroit Free Press, "Mike Rogers makes it official, he's running again for Michigan's next open US Senate seat," April 14, 2025
  7. Axios, "Huizenga skips Michigan Senate race," July 23, 2025
  8. X, "Bill Huizenga on April 14, 2025," accessed April 14, 2025
  9. Michigan Advance, "Tate drops out of Michigan’s U.S. Senate race," August 8, 2025
  10. Detroit Free Press, "Pete Buttigieg decides against running for Michigan US senator or governor in 2026," March 13, 2025
  11. Both independent U.S. senators — Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Angus King (I-Maine) — caucus with the Democrats.
  12. For more information on the difference between margins of error and credibility intervals, see explanations from the American Association for Public Opinion Research and Ipsos.
  13. Pew Research Center, "5 key things to know about the margin of error in election polls," September 8, 2016
  14. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  15. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  16. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  17. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  18. Progressive Party


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