2026 United States Senate election in Michigan
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| Elections in Michigan |
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The 2026 United States Senate election in Michigan will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Michigan. Incumbent Democratic Senator Gary Peters declined to seek re-election to a third term.[1] Peters was first elected with 54.6% of the vote in 2014, and re-elected with 49.9% of the vote in 2020.
Along with Georgia, this is one of two Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state that Donald Trump won in the 2024 presidential election, winning 49.73% of the vote to Kamala Harris's 48.31%.
Background
[edit]Michigan is considered to be a purple state at the federal level. It was also a top battleground state in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. The state backed Joe Biden by 2.8% and Donald Trump by 1.4%, respectively.[2]
Both parties have seen success in the state in recent years, although Democrats have had more success outside of presidential races. Democrats control both of Michigan's U.S. Senate seats, all statewide executive offices, and the state senate. However, Republicans control the Michigan House of Representatives and hold a majority in Michigan's U.S. House delegation.[3] Republicans have not won a Michigan U.S. Senate race since 1994 and have not won this seat since 1972.[4]
As one of only two seats up held by a Democrat in a state that voted for Trump in 2024, Michigan is considered a key Senate battleground in 2026.[5][6]
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Abdul El-Sayed, former Wayne County Health Director (2023–2025) and candidate for governor in 2018[7]
- Mallory McMorrow, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)[8]
- Haley Stevens, U.S. representative from Michigan's 11th congressional district (2019–present)[9]
- Joe Tate, state representative from the 9th district (2019–present) and former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives (2023–2025)[10]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Sarah Anthony, state senator from the 21st district (2023–present)[11]
- Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General (2019–present)[12]
Potential
[edit]- Nasser Beydoun, former executive director of the Arab American Chamber of Commerce and disqualified candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024[13]
- Andy Levin, former U.S. representative from Michigan's 9th congressional district (2019–2023)[14]
- Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union[11]
- Rashida Tlaib, U.S. representative from Michigan's 12th congressional district (2019–present)[15]
Declined
[edit]- Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025), former mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012–2020), and candidate for president in 2020[16]
- Debbie Dingell, U.S. representative from Michigan's 6th congressional district (2015–present)[17]
- Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019–present) (running for governor)[18]
- Gary Peters, incumbent U.S. senator (2015–present)[1]
- Kristen McDonald Rivet, U.S. representative from Michigan's 8th congressional district (2025–present) (running for re-election)[19]
- Hillary Scholten, U.S. representative from Michigan's 3rd congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election)[20]
- Shri Thanedar, U.S. representative from Michigan's 13th congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election)[21]
- Gretchen Whitmer, outgoing Governor of Michigan (2019–present)[21]
Endorsements
[edit]Abdul El-Sayed
- U.S. senators
- Bernie Sanders, Vermont (2007–present) (Independent)[22]
- U.S. representatives
- State legislators
- Ruwa Romman, Georgia state representative from the 97th district (2023–present)[23]
Haley Stevens
- U.S. representatives
- Nancy Pelosi, CA-11 (1987–present), Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (2007–2011, 2019–2023) and House Minority Leader (2003–2007, 2011–2019)[24]
- Hillary Scholten, MI-03 (2023–present)[25]
- Organizations
Declined to endorse
- U.S. senators
- Elissa Slotkin, Michigan (2025–present)[27]
Polling
[edit]Hypothetical polling
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Kent Benham, dentist[30]
- Fred Heurtebise, engineer and welder[30]
- Mike Rogers, former U.S. representative from Michigan's 8th congressional district (2001–2015) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024[31]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Tudor Dixon, conservative media personality and nominee for governor in 2022[32][33]
- Bill Huizenga, U.S. representative from Michigan's 4th congressional district (2011–present)[34]
- Lorenzo Sewell, pastor[35]
Potential
[edit]- Brian Calley, former Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2011–2019)[36]
- Jonathan Lindsey, state senator from the 17th district (2023–present)[17]
- Ronna McDaniel, former chair of the Republican National Committee (2017–2024) and former chair of the Michigan Republican Party (2015–2017)[32]
- Peter Meijer, former U.S. representative from Michigan's 3rd congressional district (2021–2023)[36]
- John Moolenaar, U.S. representative from Michigan's 2nd congressional district (2015–present)[32]
- Aric Nesbitt, Minority Leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from the 20th district (2019–present) (currently running for governor)[37]
- Sandy Pensler, former Wayne County commissioner and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2024[11]
- Bryan Posthumus, majority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives (2025–present) from the 90th district (2021–present)[11]
- Bill Schuette, former Attorney General of Michigan (2011–2019), nominee for U.S. Senate in 1990, and nominee for governor in 2018[11]
- Nikki Snyder, member of the Michigan State Board of Education (2017–present) and candidate for MI-08 in 2024[37]
- John Tuttle, vice chair of the New York Stock Exchange[11]
Declined
[edit]- Mike Cox, former Attorney General of Michigan (2003–2011) (running for governor)[38]
- Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts[39]
- Perry Johnson, businessman, disqualified candidate for governor in 2022, and candidate for president in 2024[17]
- Lisa McClain, U.S. representative from Michigan's 9th congressional district (2021–present)[32]
- Kevin Rinke, former car dealer and candidate for governor in 2022[40]
Endorsements
[edit]Mike Rogers
- U.S. senators
- Tim Scott, U.S. Senator from South Carolina (2013–present)[41]
- John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (2025–present) from South Dakota (2005–present)[41]
- U.S. representatives
- Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995–1999) from GA-06 (1979–1999)[39]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Mike Rogers (R) | $431,402 | $143,297 | $523,854 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[42] | |||
Polling
[edit]Hypothetical polling
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[44] | Tossup | February 20, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[45] | Battleground | February 13, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[46] | Tossup | March 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[47] | Tilt D | April 27, 2025 |
Polling
[edit]Haley Stevens vs. Mike Rogers
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Haley Stevens (D) |
Mike Rogers (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Insyght[48][A] | March 3–6, 2025 | 600 (V) | ± 4.0% | 35% | 41% | 24% |
Hypothetical polling
Dana Nessel vs. Mike Rogers
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Dana Nessel (D) |
Mike Rogers (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[28][A] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 45% | 44% | 11% |
Dana Nessel vs. Tudor Dixon
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Dana Nessel (D) |
Tudor Dixon (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[28][A] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 45% | 45% | 10% |
Pete Buttigieg vs. Mike Rogers
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Pete Buttigieg (D) |
Mike Rogers (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Insyght[48][A] | March 3–6, 2025 | 600 (V) | ± 4.0% | 46% | 44% | 10% |
| EPIC-MRA[49] | February 3–8, 2025 | 600 (V) | ± 4.0% | 41% | 47% | 12% |
Gretchen Whitmer vs. Brian Posthumus
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Gretchen Whitmer (D) |
Brian Posthumus (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[28][A] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 47% | 41% | 12% |
Gretchen Whitmer vs. Mike Rogers
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Gretchen Whitmer (D) |
Mike Rogers (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[28][A] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 47% | 44% | 9% |
| Target Insyght[48][A] | March 3–6, 2025 | 600 (V) | ± 4.0% | 42% | 41% | 17% |
Gretchen Whitmer vs. Peter Meijer
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Gretchen Whitmer (D) |
Peter Meijer (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[28][A] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 46% | 40% | 14% |
Gretchen Whitmer vs. Tudor Dixon
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Gretchen Whitmer (D) |
Tudor Dixon (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[28][A] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 47% | 46% | 7% |
Notes
[edit]Partisan clients
References
[edit]- ^ a b Burke, Melissa Nann (January 28, 2025). "Michigan's Gary Peters won't seek reelection to U.S. Senate. Here's why". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ "Michigan Presidential Election Results". The New York Times. November 5, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ "Democrats lose trifecta in Michigan, hobbling Gov. Whitmer's agenda". AP News. November 6, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (January 28, 2025). "Michigan's Gary Peters won't run for US Senate reelection next year". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ Gans, Jared (November 28, 2024). "7 most competitive Senate races in 2026". The Hill. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ "Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won't run for re-election in battleground Michigan". NBC News. January 29, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Wu, Nicholas (April 17, 2025). "Abdul El-Sayed launches Michigan Senate campaign". Politico. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
- ^ Kamisar, Ben (April 2, 2025). "Mallory McMorrow jumps into Michigan's Senate race with a call for change in the Democratic Party". NBC News. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ Bowman, Bridget (April 22, 2025). "Rep. Haley Stevens launches Michigan Senate run, criticizing 'chaos' of Trump's tariffs". NBC News. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ Volmert, Isabella (May 11, 2025). "Lawmaker from Detroit joins crowded race for US Senate". Associated Press. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Mutnick, Ally; Schneider, Elena; Wu, Nicholas; Crampton, Liz (January 28, 2025). "Open Senate seat puts Democrats on defense in Michigan". Politico. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ "Top of the Hour". National Journal. February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
Nessel spokesperson Kimberly Rush told Hotline that the attorney general...'is exploring the open U.S. Senate seat'
- ^ Burke, Melissa (April 10, 2025). "McDonald Rivet won't run for U.S. Senate in Michigan". The Detroit News. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (March 21, 2025). "Morning Digest, sponsored by Liftoff Campaigns: How Dick Durbin plans to decide whether to seek a sixth term". The Downballot. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
Former Democratic Rep. Andy Levin tells Inside Elections' Jacob Rubashkin that he's received encouragement to run for...Senate, governor, attorney general, and two different House districts—the 10th and 11th.
- ^ Bobic, Igor (January 28, 2025). "Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters To Retire In 2026". HuffPost. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ Marquez, Alexandra; Terkel, Amanda; Gomez, Henry (March 13, 2025). "Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says he won't run for Senate or governor in Michigan". NBC News. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c Burke, Melissa Nann; Mauger, Craig (January 28, 2025). "Here's who could run for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat in 2026 ― and who's already out". The Detroit News. Retrieved January 28, 2025 – via Killeen Daily Herald.
- ^ Kamisar, Ben (March 11, 2025). "Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist launches a run for governor, setting up a major 2026 race". NBC News. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ Burke, Melissa (April 10, 2025). "McDonald Rivet won't run for U.S. Senate in Michigan". The Detroit News. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ Nann Burke, Melissa (March 25, 2025). "Scholten won't run for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat". The Detroit News. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
- ^ a b Solender, Andrew (January 28, 2025). "Multiple House Democrats eyeing runs for Gary Peters' Senate seat". Axios. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ Weigel, David (April 17, 2025). "Bernie-backed El-Sayed runs for Senate in Michigan". Semafor. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
- ^ a b Corbett, Jessica (April 17, 2025). "Ready to 'Fight for the Working Class': Sanders Endorses Abdul El-Sayed for US Senate". Common Dreams. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
- ^ https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/22/nancy-pelosi-backs-haley-stevens-for-senate-in-michigan/83781476007/
- ^ Murphy, Mary Ellen (April 24, 2025). "Rep. Scholten Endorses Haley Stevens for U.S. Senate". WGHN. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "- AIPAC Political Portal". candidates.aipacpac.org. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ Meerschaert, Kevin (April 28, 2025). "Sloktin won't make endorsement on Governor or Senate primary". WEMU. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Whitmer/Nessel – Dixon/Rogers Top Candidates for US Senate". OneDrive. March 19, 2025. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Poll: Jocelyn Benson Dominates Mike Duggan in Governor's Race". Deadline Detroit. March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Spangler, Todd (April 14, 2025). "Mike Rogers makes it official, he's running again for Michigan's next open US Senate seat". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
Dr. Kent Benham, a dentist in the Deerfield area, has also filed to run as a Republican, as has Fred Heurtebise, of Luther, whose website describes him as a welder and engineer.
- ^ Robinson, Taylor (April 14, 2025). "Mike Rogers Runs for Senate in Michigan After a Close 2024 Loss". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Kamisar, Ben; Gomez, Henry J. (January 28, 2025). "Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won't run for re-election in battleground Michigan". NBC News. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ Crisp, Elizabeth (March 18, 2025). "Tudor Dixon considering bid for Senate, Michigan governor". The Hill. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Hapgood, Katherine (March 26, 2025). "Political ambition on House Financial Services could be a gamble for GOP". Politico. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
[Huizenga] said he's been eying the Senate seat for a couple of years...when Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) announced he wasn't running for reelection, it kicked the Senate talk 'into a different discussion level.'
- ^ Mauger, Craig. "Detroit pastor who prayed at Trump's inauguration considering U.S. Senate bid". The Detroit News. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Hermani, Jordyn (January 28, 2025). "Michigan faces new Senate battle as Gary Peters opts against reelection". Bridge Michigan. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ a b JJ Curry, Ebony (January 28, 2025). "Gary Peters Steps Aside: Michigan Braces for a Defining 2026 Senate Race". The Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ Foster, Wells (April 15, 2025). "Former AG Mike Cox announces run for governor". WILX. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ a b Burke, Melissa Nann (January 30, 2025). "Tony Dungy spikes U.S. Senate campaign speculation, Mike Rogers 'considering' another bid". The Detroit News. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David. "Morning Digest: Michigan Republican who fell just short in '24 will run for Senate again". www.the-downballot.com. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ a b Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (April 15, 2025). "Morning Digest: Michigan Republican who fell just short in '24 will run for Senate again". The Downballot. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Election United States Senate - Michigan". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ Fabrizio, Tony; Lee, David; Tunis, Travis (March 11, 2025). "Conservative base of GOP drives Dixon to lead in Senate primary race". Politico. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Senate Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Poll: Jocelyn Benson Dominates Mike Duggan in Governor's Race". Deadline Detroit. March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (February 11, 2025). "Michigan poll: Democrats face uncertain road in 2026 races". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official campaign websites