2026 Michigan Senate election

For related races, see 2026 Michigan elections.

Not to be confused with 2026 United States Senate election in Michigan.

2026 Michigan Senate election

←  2022 November 3, 2026 (2026-11-03) 2030 →
38 seats in the Michigan Senate 20 seats needed for a majority
Leader Winnie Brinks (term-limited) Aric Nesbitt (term-limited) Party Democratic Republican Leader since January 1, 2023 January 11, 2023 Leader's seat 29th–Grand Rapids 20th–Porter Last election 20 seats, 50.41% 18 seats, 48.75% Current seats 19 18 Seats needed 1 2
Results:      Democratic incumbent     Democratic incumbent retiring      Republican incumbent     Republican incumbent retiring      Vacant
Incumbent Majority Leader Winnie Brinks Democratic

The 2026 Michigan Senate election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect all 38 members to the Michigan Senate. The election will coincide with elections for all of Michigan's constitutional offices; governor, attorney general, secretary of state and all 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives. Seats in the Michigan Senate were last elected in 2022.

Background

Under the Michigan Constitution, state representatives and senators are limited to twelve years combined in either chamber of the legislature, after voters approved on November 8 a constitutional amendment that revised term limits. ^[1] Michigan has what are considered the toughest term limits in the country. ^[2]

In the previous election, Democrats gained four seats, winning control of the chamber for the first time since 1984. ^[3]

In 2023, several districts in the metro Detroit area were struck down as unconstitutional and the redistricting panel was ordered to draw new maps that could be used. A final map was chosen in July 2024 and new district lines will be in effect for the 2026 elections. ^{[4] [a]}

Outgoing incumbents

Term limited

In total, 8 Democrats and 10 Republicans are term-limited.

• Erika Geiss (D–Taylor), representing district 1 since 2022, ^[b] is term-limited
• Sylvia Santana (D–Detroit), representing district 2 since 2022, ^[c] is term-limited
• Stephanie Chang (D–Detroit), representing district 3 since 2022, ^[d] is term-limited
• Jeremy Moss (D–Southfield), representing district 7 since 2022, ^[e] is term-limited and running for U.S. Congress
• Paul Wojno (D–Warren), representing district 10 since 2022, ^[f] is term-limited
• Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor), representing district 15 since 2022, ^[g] is term-limited
• Sean McCann (D–Kalamazoo), representing district 19 since 2022, ^[h] is term-limited and running for U.S. Congress ^[5]
• Aric Nesbitt (R–Porter Township), representing district 20 since 2022, ^[i] is term-limited and running for governor of Michigan
• Lana Theis (R–Brighton Township), representing district 22 since 2018, is term-limited
• Jim Runestad (R–White Lake Township), representing district 23 since 2022, ^[j] is term-limited
• Ruth Johnson (R–Holly), representing district 24 since 2022, ^[k] is term-limited
• Dan Lauwers (R–Capac), representing district 25 since 2018, is term-limited
• Kevin Daley (R–Lum), representing district 26 since 2022, ^[l] is term-limited
• Winnie Brinks (D–Grand Rapids), representing district 29 since 2018, is term-limited
• Roger Victory (R–Hudsonville), representing district 31 since 2022, ^[m] is term-limited
• Jon Bumstead (R–Newaygo), representing district 32 since 2022, ^[n] is term-limited
• Rick Outman (R–Six Lakes), representing district 33 since 2018, is term-limited
• Ed McBroom (R–Vulcan), representing district 38 since 2018, is term-limited

Retiring

• Rosemary Bayer (D–West Bloomfield), representing district 13 since 2022, ^[o] is retiring. ^[6]

Seeking other office

• Mallory McMorrow (D–Royal Oak), representing district 8 since 2022, ^[p] is retiring to run for United States Senate

Vacated

• Kristen McDonald Rivet (D–Bay City), representing district 35 since 2022, resigned her seat on January 3, 2025 after being elected to Congress in 2024.

Special election

District 35

Following the resignation of Kristen McDonald Rivet, who resigned to take a seat in the United States House of Representatives, a special election will take place to fill the vacancy. Primary elections will take place on February 3, 2026 and the general election will happen on May 5, 2026. ^[7]

Democratic primary

Declared

• Brandell Adams, chair of the Saginaw County Democrats and former Bridgeport Township trustee ^[8]
• Pamela Pugh, president of the Michigan State Board of Education and candidate for Michigan's 8th congressional district in 2024 ^[8]

Filed paperwork

• Chedrick Greene, Saginaw fire captain ^[9]

Republican primary

Declared

• Chadwick Twillman ^[8]

Publicly expressed interest

• Timmy Beson, state representative from the 96th district (2021–present) ^[10]

Declined

• Bill G. Schuette, state representative from the 95th district (2023–present) (running for re-election) ^[11]

Endorsements

Pamela Pugh

Local officials

• Mason Pressler, Trustee, Bay City Public Schools Board of Education (2025–present) ^[12]

Results summary

† - Incumbent not seeking re-election or term-limited

District	Incumbent	Party		Elected Senator	Outcome
1st	Erika Geiss†			TBD
2nd	Sylvia Santana†			TBD
3rd	Stephanie Chang†			TBD
4th	Darrin Camilleri			TBD
5th	None (open seat)			TBD
6th	Mary Cavanagh			TBD
7th	Jeremy Moss†			TBD
8th	Mallory McMorrow† [q]			TBD
	Dayna Polehanki [r]
9th	Michael Webber			TBD
10th	Paul Wojno†			TBD
11th	Veronica Klinefelt			TBD
12th	Kevin Hertel			TBD
13th	Rosemary Bayer†			TBD
14th	Sue Shink			TBD
15th	Jeff Irwin†			TBD
16th	Joe Bellino			TBD
17th	Jonathan Lindsey			TBD
18th	Thomas Albert			TBD
19th	Sean McCann†			TBD
20th	Aric Nesbitt†			TBD
21st	Sarah Anthony			TBD
22nd	Lana Theis†			TBD
23rd	Jim Runestad†			TBD
24th	Ruth Johnson†			TBD
25th	Dan Lauwers†			TBD
26th	Kevin Daley†			TBD
27th	John Cherry			TBD
28th	Sam Singh			TBD
29th	Winnie Brinks†			TBD
30th	Mark Huizenga			TBD
31st	Roger Victory†			TBD
32nd	Jon Bumstead†			TBD
33rd	Rick Outman†			TBD
34th	Roger Hauck			TBD
35th	Vacant			TBD
36th	Michele Hoitenga			TBD
37th	John Damoose			TBD
38th	Ed McBroom†			TBD

District 2

The incumbent Democrat Sylvia Santana, who was re-elected with 67.99% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Democratic primary

Declared

• Erin Byrnes, state representative from the 15th district (2023–present) ^[13]
• Tullio Liberati Jr., state representative from the 2nd district (2021–present) ^[13]

District 5

The incumbent Democrat Dayna Polehanki, who was re-elected with 61.07% of the vote in 2022, is eligible for re-election but was moved into the 8th district as a result of redistricting.

Democratic primary

Declared

• Matt Koleszar, state representative from the 22nd district (2019–present) ^[14]

District 7

The incumbent Democrat Jeremy Moss, who was re-elected with 74.21% of the vote in 2022, is term limited and running for Congress.

Democratic primary

Filed paperwork

• Jason Hoskins, state representative from the 18th district (2023–present) ^[15]

District 8

The incumbent Democrat Mallory McMorrow, who was re-elected with 78.94% of the vote in 2022, is retiring to run for U.S. Senate. Fellow Democratic state senator Dayna Polehanki was moved into this district as a result of redistricting.

Democratic primary

Potential

• Dayna Polehankki, state senator from the 5th district (2019–present)

District 10

The incumbent Democrat Paul Wojno, who was re-elected with 67.70% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Democratic primary

Filed paperwork

• Natalie Price, state representative from the 6th district (2023–present) ^[16]
• Amanda Treppa, member of the Royal Oak Local Officers Compensation Committee ^[16]

District 13

The incumbent Democrat Rosemary Bayer, who was re-elected with 57.17%, is retiring.

Democratic primary

Declared

• Sean Carlson, Oakland County deputy executive ^[17]

Declined

• Rosemary Bayer, incumbent state senator (2019–present) ^[6]

Endorsements

Sean Carlson

State Senators

• Rosemary Bayer, state senator from the 13th district (2019–present) ^[17]

District 15

The incumbent Democrat Jeff Irwin, who was re-elected with 74.15% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Democratic primary

Declared

• Felicia Brabec, state representative from the 33rd district (2021–2025) ^[18]

District 19

The incumbent Democrat Sean McCann, who was re-elected with 59.79% of the vote in 2022, is term limited and running for U.S. Congress.

Democratic primary

Declared

• Julie Rogers, state representative from the 41st district (2021–present) ^[19]

District 20

The incumbent Republican Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, who was re-elected with 60.95% of the vote in 2022, is term limited and running for governor.

Republican primary

Declared

• Kenny Clevenger, Casco Township treasurer (2021–present) ^[20]

District 22

The incumbent Republican, Lana Theis, who was re-elected with 60.68% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Republican primary

Declared

• Mike Murphy, Livingston County sheriff (2017–present) ^[21]

District 23

The incumbent Republican, Jim Runestad, who was re-elected with 59.38 of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Republican primary

Declared

• Donni Steele, state representative from the 54th district (2021–present) ^[22]

District 29

The incumbent Democratic Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, who was re-elected with 60.30% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Democratic primary

Declared

• Phil Skaggs, state representative from the 80th district (2023–present) ^[23]

District 30

The incumbent Republican, Mark Huizenga, who was re-elected with 49.18% of the vote in 2022, is eligible for a second full term after being initially elected via the 2021 Michigan Senate special election.

Republican primary

Potential

• Mark Huizenga, incumbent state senator (2021–present)

Democratic primary

Declared

• Carol Glanville, state representative from the 84th district (2022–present) ^[24]

District 32

The incumbent Republican, Jon Bumstead, who was re-elected with 52.83% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Republican primary

Declared

• Kim Cole, Mason County sheriff (2012–present) ^[25]

Democratic primary

Announcement pending

• Rebecca Amidon, adjunct professor at Mid Michigan College (announcement expected September 16, 2025) ^[26]

Endorsements

Kim Cole

State Senators

• Jon Bumstead, state senator from the 32nd district (2019–present) ^[25]

District 33

The incumbent Republican, Rick Outman, who was re-elected with 66.25% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Republican primary

Filed Paperwork

• Joseph Fox, state representative from the 101st district (2023–present) ^[27]
• Gina Johnson, state representative from the 78th district (2023–present) ^[27]
• Tom Norton, veteran ^[27]

Endorsements

Gina Johnsen

State Senators

• Roger Victory, state senator from the 31st district (2019–present) ^[28]
• Jon Bumstead, state senator from the 32nd district (2019–present) ^[28]
• Mark Huizenga, state senator from the 30th district (2019–present) ^[28]

District 38

The incumbent Republican, Ed McBroom, who was re-elected with 62.23% of the vote in 2022, is term limited.

Republican primary

Declared

• Chris Reynolds, teacher ^[29]

Democratic primary

Declared

• Kelli van Ginhoven, vice chair of the Delta County Board of Commissioners ^[29]

Notes

1. The map being used in the infobox does not display the updated district lines
2. Previously represented the 6th district from 2019-2023
3. Previously represented the 3rd district from 2019-2023
4. Previously represented the 1st district from 2019-2023
5. Previously represented the 11th district from 2019-2023
6. Previously represented the 9th district from 2019-2023
7. Previously represented the 18th district from 2019-2023
8. Previously represented the 20th district from 2019-2023
9. Previously represented the 26th district from 2019-2023
10. Previously represented the 15th district from 2019-2023
11. Previously represented the 14th district from 2019-2023
12. Previously represented the 31st district from 2019-2023
13. Previously represented the 30th district from 2019-2023
14. Previously represented the 34th district from 2019-2023
15. Previously represented the 12th district from 2019-2023
16. Previously represented the 13th district from 2019-2023
17. Redistricted into the 10th district
18. Redistricted from the 5th district

References

1. DesOrmeau, Taylor (November 9, 2022). "Proposal 1: Voters pass plan to shorten term limits, require politicians to disclose finances". mlive. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
2. Bill Ballenger (October 11, 2016). "Michigan's Term Limits Are Toughest in Nation". The Ballenger Report. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
3. Perkins, Tom (November 17, 2022). "How Michigan Democrats took control for the first time in decades". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved April 29, 2023.
4. King, Jon (July 26, 2024). "Federal court grants final approval to new Michigan Senate districts". Michigan Advance . Retrieved April 30, 2025.
5. Davidson, Kyle (July 14, 2025). "Facing term limits, McCann to join Democratic race for Michigan's 4th Congressional District". Michigan Advance . Retrieved July 14, 2025.
6. Solis, Ben (August 11, 2025). "Bayer will not seek reelection in Southeast Michigan state Senate district". Michigan Advance . Retrieved August 12, 2025.
7. Hendrickson, Clara (August 29, 2025). "Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls special election to fill long-vacant Michigan Senate seat". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved August 29, 2025.
8. Maddox, Tiffany (July 22, 2025). "Candidates enter race for Michigan's open 35th Senate District seat". WJRT . Retrieved July 23, 2025.
9. News Desk (September 1, 2025). "Whitmer Finally Calls for 35th Senate District Special Election". WSGW . Retrieved September 13, 2025.
10. Solis, Ben (July 21, 2025). "Pugh to focus on economic opportunity, education in bid for still empty 35th State Senate seat". Michigan Advance . Retrieved July 23, 2025. State Rep. Timmy Beson (R-Bay City) has said he intends to run for the seat, and state Rep. Bill Schuette (R-Midland) is said to be considering the race, as well.
11. Chalk, Dan (September 12, 2025). "Rep. Schuette will run for third state House term". Midland Daily News . Retrieved September 12, 2025.
12. Engel, Justin (August 28, 2025). "Oops! Democratic group retracts demand for Whitmer to call special election". Midland Daily News . Retrieved September 13, 2025.
13. Smith, Nick (June 30, 2025). "Liberati files for 2nd Senate District, sets up primary with Byrnes". Gongwer . Retrieved July 11, 2025.
14. Sergent, Katie (April 10, 2025). "Rep. Matt Koleszar announces campaign for Michigan Senate's open 5th District". WWMT . Retrieved July 1, 2025.
15. Smith, Nick (September 4, 2025). "Hoskins files to replace Moss in 7th Senate District". Gongwer . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
16. Smith, Nick (July 23, 2025). "Price files to run for 10th Senate District". Gongwer . Retrieved July 25, 2025.
17. Wethington, Paula (August 21, 2025). "Sean Carlson announces campaign for Michigan Senate District 13". CBS Detroit . Retrieved September 11, 2025.
18. Meerschaert, Kevin (March 7, 2025). "Felicia Brabec kicks off 2026 bid for Michigan Senate". WEMU . Retrieved April 25, 2025.
19. Arney, Michael (July 22, 2025). "State Representative Julie Rogers running for state Senate". WKZO . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
20. HP STAFF (August 21, 2025). "Clevenger to run for Michigan Senate District 20". The Herald-Palladium . Retrieved September 11, 2025.
21. Wellington, Paula (March 25, 2025). "Mike Murphy announces candidacy for Michigan state Senate seat". CBS Detroit . Retrieved April 25, 2025.
22. Davidson, Kyle. "Steele files to run for open state Senate seat, leaving House seat vulnerable". Michigan Advance . Retrieved August 24, 2025.
23. Smith, Nick (July 3, 2025). "Skaggs announces campaign for 29th Senate District". Gongwer . Retrieved July 11, 2025.
24. Davidson, Kyle (September 16, 2025). "Glanville launches campaign to flip west Michigan Senate seat". Michigan Advance . Retrieved September 16, 2025.
25. Fedder, Michelle (September 11, 2025). "Mason County sheriff announces candidacy for Michigan Senate seat". Manistee News Advocate. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
26. Fedder, Michelle (September 11, 2025). "Manistee woman to launch Michigan Senate campaign Sept. 16". Manistee News Advocate. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
27. Smith, Nick (August 29, 2025). "Johnsen files for 33rd Senate District, setting up primary with Fox". Gongwer . Retrieved September 4, 2025.
28. Durnbaugh, Elena (September 5, 2025). "Senators endorse Johnsen for 33rd District". Gongwer . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
29. Tudor, Jerry (August 22, 2025). "2 new State Senate candidates announce campaigns". WLUC-TV . Retrieved September 11, 2025.