2026 Southeast Michigan Voter Guide on Open State House, Senate, and Congressional Races 

A nonpartisan overview of candidates, open seats, competitive districts, voting deadlines, and key races shaping Southeast Michigan ahead of Michigan’s Aug. 4, 2026 Primary Election.  

With the 2026 election cycle underway and candidates positioning themselves for key legislative roles, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Public Policy and Business Advocacy team presents an overview of candidates running for the open seats in Southeast Michigan. These open state House and Senate seats, reshaped by redistricting and term limits, will determine the direction of the state’s policymaking over the next four years.

The Chamber PAC continues to evaluate candidates across the state, and more endorsements are being considered ahead of the general election. Read more about the Chamber PAC endorsements here.

Note: If a campaign website is available, a link is provided to learn more about each candidate.

Michigan’s statewide Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. Voters will select party nominees for federal, state, and local offices ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election.

Michigan voters can cast a ballot in several ways. Absentee ballots became available June 25 and must be received by the voter’s local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Election officials recommend returning absentee ballots by mail no later than July 21 to avoid postal delays; after that date, voters should use a clerk’s office or secure drop box. Michigan’s statewide early voting period runs from July 25 through Aug. 2, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.

For voters who are not yet registered, beginning July 21, registration must be completed in person at a local clerk’s office with proof of residency. Michigan residents can verify their registration status, view their sample ballot, track an absentee ballot, and find voting locations through the Michigan Voter Information Center.

For election information specific to Southeast Michigan, visit the county election resources below:

• Oakland County Elections

• Macomb County Elections

• Wayne County Elections

On Aug. 4, Wayne County voters will decide on a 10-year transit millage proposal that represents a strategic investment in the regional workforce and local business ecosystem. The 2026 proposal has also been endorsed by Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans and the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy K. Baruah.

The Wayne County Public Transportation Millage would renew existing SMART millage financial support in current participating communities while expanding transit opportunities throughout all of Wayne County. For homeowners in communities already receiving SMART service, the proposal represents a renewal of the current millage, not a tax increase.

Revenue gathered from the millage would be distributed among Wayne County, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), and other community and regional transit providers. The proposal is estimated to generate roughly $57 million in the first year. Wayne County officials say SMART would add eight new bus routes, five new route extensions, and on-demand service over approximately three years.

After Oakland voters approved a similar millage proposal in 2022, which supported and expanded public transit services, the county can now point with pride to a 49.5% ridership increase, with 251,208 rides in 2025.

Related | Chamber Joins Wayne County Transit for All to Encourage Residents to Vote Yes on Transit Millage

2nd District 

This Downriver district, covering Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Ecorse, and Southgate, features a 59.1% Democratic base. Rep. Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park) is choosing not to run again. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Frank Liberati (D): Former state representative and owner of a local Italian deli and bakery. 

• Joanna Whaley (D): Healthcare chaplain for Detroit area hospitals and podcast host. 

• Gary Schlack (D): Allen Park City Council member and U.S. Army National Guard veteran. 

• Ronald Kokinda (R): Small business owner and previous candidate. 

• Zacharia Ortiz (R): Small business owner, Youth Director, and Church Deacon. 

4th District 

Located entirely within the city of Detroit, this district holds a 97.1% Democratic base. Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) is not running again.   

Filed Candidates:  

• Krystal Larsosa (D): Nonprofit executive and owner of multiple media and management companies.  

• Anthony McDonald (D): Democratic candidate running for the Detroit-based seat.  

• Tyus Monroe (D): Detroit Police officer who also works in the funeral service industry.  

• Regina Ross (D): Educator and former community council member.  

• Everett Davis (R): Republican candidate who currently maintains a limited public political footprint.  

5th District 

This district, encompassing Oak Park and parts of Detroit, features a 93.1% Democratic base. The incumbent, Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), is stepping back from politics.   

Filed Candidates:  

• Crystal Bailey (D): Business founder and member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Council.  

• Candace Calloway (D): City of Detroit construction worker and founder of a workforce organization focused on environmental conservation jobs.  

• Soummer Moore-Crawford (D): Member of the Wayne County Women’s Commission.   

• Chris Venable (R): Republican candidate whose stated platform focuses on improving educational outcomes and making responsible infrastructure investments.  

6th District 

Communities include parts of Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham, and Huntington Woods, and feature a 63.7% Democratic base. The current representative, Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley), is running for an open state Senate seat.  

Filed Candidates:   

• Charlie Gandy-Thompson (D): Chief Operating Officer and owner of TEAM X GEN5, a consulting firm focused on engineering leadership.  

• David Lauer (D): Director of Donor Relations for Youth Impact Program in Ann Arbor and owner of Lauer Paints.   

• Melanie Macey (D): Policy and Government Affairs Coordinator for Promote the Vote and a previous candidate.  

• Mike Steger (R): Co-founder of Promethean Action and previously ran a political intelligence and outreach company. 

9th District 

This district covers Detroit’s Riverfront, Indian Village, and Midtown, and is solidly Democratic, featuring a 95.7% Democratic base. This district is currently represented by former Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), who is not running for re-election. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Willie Burton (D): Former Detroit Police Commissioner and field director. 

• Anthony Eid (D): Former Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission member and nonprofit policy director. 

• Darryl Ervin (D): Nonprofit founder and former financial analyst. 

• Arthur Harrington (D): Law student with local government experience in Detroit. 

• Bryant Hepp (D): Urban planner and social worker. 

• Karriem Holman (D): Political consultant and former legislative assistant. 

• Toni Mua (D): Nonprofit founder with degrees in business administration. 

• Rick Silva (D): Public service organizer, government employee, and educator. 

• Patricia Washington-Hurt (D): A retired school teacher. 

• Michele Lundgren (R): As the sole Republican, she will automatically advance to the general election and has a very limited online presence. 

• Phillipe Cicchini (I): Previously worked for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).  

11th District 

Covering parts of Macomb and Wayne County, including the City of Warren and Eastpointe, this district has an 87.5% Democratic base. This district is currently represented by Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), who is challenging U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar for his 13th District House seat.  

Filed Candidates:   

• Cranstana Brown Anderson (D): Chief Executive Officer at Seehope Real Estate Investments and a previous candidate for Detroit City Council.  

• Kimberly Fisher (D): Chief Executive Officer for Cultivate Detroit and an Executive Community Liaison for the City of Detroit.   

• Michael Howard (D): Currently a Macomb County Commissioner, elected in 2024.  

• Eddie Kabacinski (R): Former Warren city councilmember and Military Housing Commission board member while serving in the U.S. Army.   

• Matthew Stafford (R): Chief Executive Officer and founder of RumBai Apparel and RumBai Home Innovations.  

• Dale Walker (R): Served as Superintendent of the Department of Public Works and a longtime employee of the City of Warren. 

15th District 

Covering Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, this district holds a 61% Democratic base. The current representative, Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), is running for the state Senate. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Jalal Abdallah (D): Attorney managing a family-owned law practice. 

• Leslie Herrick (D): Former Dearborn City Council member and campaign consultant. 

• Gary Woronchak (D): Former state representative and Wayne County Commission Chair. 

• Hassan Nehme (R): Former congressional candidate and political party Vice Chair. 

18th District 

Located within Oakland County, covering Southfield, the City of Farmington Hills, Farmington, and Lathrup Village, this district holds a 79.5% Democrat base. Current Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) is leaving his seat to run for the state Senate.    

Filed Candidates:   

• Ryan Foster (R): Previous candidate and former police officer for the City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Corrections.  

• Kelly Garrett (D): Current mayor of Lathrup Village, former mayor pro tempore, and previous Director of Government Relations for Baker College.  

• Ronald Ulmer-Paul (R): A Farmington Hills Republican, has worked with El Rodeo Limousine and Charter Services.   

22nd District 

Covering Plymouth, Northville, and parts of Livonia, this competitive suburban district features a 52.3% Republican base, though it has leaned Democratic in recent elections. This district is currently held by Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), who is running for the state Senate, which is harming Democrats’ chances of retaining the district. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Lisa McIntyre (D): President of the Northville Public Schools Board of Education and a licensed mental health counselor. 

• Casey Noce (R): Teacher, licensed Realtor, and former Downtown Development Authority member. 

31st District 

Encompassing parts of Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Lenawee counties, this highly competitive district leans slightly Democratic at 53.9%. The 31st district, currently represented by Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.), who is not seeking reelection, was one of the hottest races in 2024, with $3.6 million spent, and is expected to remain competitive in 2026. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Shannon Dare Wayne (D): Member of Milan City Council and supervisor at Ford Motor Company. 

• Laura Perry (R): Small business owner of a sports apparel store and chair of the Dundee Downtown Development Authority. 

54th District 

This district, encompassing parts of the City of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Oakland Township, and Orion Township, features a 53.7% Republican base. With such close margins in previous elections, this seat will be a competitive race to watch come November. The incumbent, Rep. Donnie Steele (R-Orion), is leaving her House seat to run for the state Senate.   

Filed Candidates:   

• Roman Gaskey (R): Business intelligence analyst for an AI startup company.  

• Jeffrey Omtvedt (R): Former elected Oxford Township trustee, current Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Taco Company.  

• Sarah Pounds (D): Currently serves on several Oakland County boards and is the Chair for YIMBY Oakland County.   

59th District 

Covering parts of Macomb County, including Macomb Township and Shelby Township, this district holds a 62.3% Republican base. The current representative, Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), is running for the state Senate.   

Filed Candidates:   

• Sylvia Grot (R): Current Macomb County Commissioner and former precinct delegate for the Macomb County Republican Party.  

• Matt Grub (R): Police officer for Orchard Lake. 

• Jason Robbins (D): Executive producer for Live Productions.   

• Jean Zott (R): Retired Certified Personal Accountant and Corporate Controller for Joe Randazzo’s Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. 

1st District 

Communities include Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, and parts of Allen Park, Detroit, and Taylor. This district is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and is considered a Democratic stronghold with 84.3% Democrat voters. 

Filed Candidates:  

• Abraham Aiyash (D): Previous two‑term state representative and former Majority Floor Leader in the Michigan House. 

• Justin Onwenu (D): Attorney, organizer, and former Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit. 

• Patrick O’Connell (R): Resident of Ecorse who has previously campaigned for the Wayne County Commission and the state House. 

2nd District 

Communities include all of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, as well as parts of Allen Park and Detroit. With 63.5% of votes, District 2 is a solid Democratic seat and is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). 

Filed Candidates: 

• Abbas Alawieh (D): Co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, who previously worked in DC for U.S. Representatives Andy Levin, Rashida Tlaib, and as chief of staff to Congresswoman Cori Bush.  

• Rep. Erin Byrnes (D): Current State Representative for the 15th House District and former special education teacher. 

• Harry Sawicki (R): Previously ran for the seat in 2022 and has a minimal online presence. 

3rd District 

Community includes Hamtramck, Highland Park, and the Eastside of Detroit, and is a Democratic stronghold with 96.2% of voters identifying as Democratic. This district is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). 

Filed Candidates: 

• John Conyers III (D): Entrepreneur, political organizer, and author of “My Father’s House”. 

• LaTanya Garrett (D): Former three-term State Representative who served in District 7 from 2015 to 2020. 

• Korey Hall (D): Former Regional Director and Senior Advisor in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office and previously a Regional Manager for former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. 

• Adam Hollier (D): Former State Senator for District 2, U.S. Army paratrooper, and public servant. Originally a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 13th Congressional seat and then Secretary of State, Hollier is pursuing his return to the Michigan Senate as of February 2026. 

• Gary Hunter (D): Photojournalist and Chief Executive Officer of The Shot News. 

• Eboni Taylor (D): First-time candidate whose career has centered on expanding political power and economic opportunity for Black women and was notably endorsed early by Senator Chang. 

• LeJuan Council (D): Founder of Detroit Area Disaster Recovery Group from Detroit’s East Side. 

• Kimberly Hill Knot (D): Served in the Detroit district office of the late U.S. Rep John Conyers Jr., as Policy Director at Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, and on the Detroit Board of Zoning Appeals. 

• Toinu Reeves (D): Served on Detroit City Council’s Equitable Development Task Force and as chair of the Economic Development Workgroup for the District 4 Community Advisory Committee. 

• Abraham Shaw (D): Previously ran for the state House in 2020 and 2024 and owns an automotive repair service. 

• Mohammad Alam (D): U.S. Army veteran of the Iraq and Afghan wars who has served in various Democratic Party leadership roles, including as a DNC Asian Caucus Chair. 

• Mark Ashley Price (R): Previously ran for the Senate seat in 2022. 

5th District 

The 5th District is a solid Democratic seat, with 60.6% Democratic voters, encompassing parts of Livonia and all of Canton Township, Garden City, Inkster, Plymouth, and Westland. This district was most recently represented by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who has filed to run for the 8th District due to Michigan’s redistricting. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Rep. Matt Koleszar (D): Serving his fourth term representing Michigan’s 22nd House District. Koleszar has received an endorsement from the Chamber PAC. 

• Estelle Oliansky (R): Previously ran for the Michigan State Senate in 2022. Active in local Republican politics as a state convention delegate. 

7th District 

Communities including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Pontiac, Southfield, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, and Lathrup Village, with Democrats holding 69.3% of the vote. This district was most recently represented by term-limited Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Township), who is running for U.S. Congress.  

Filed Candidates: 

• Rep. Jason Hoskins (D): Current state representative for the 18th House District, an attorney, and former Southfield City Council member. 

• Shadia Martini (D): Architect, entrepreneur, and Oakland County business owner who immigrated to Michigan from Aleppo, Syria. 

• Rakesh Ramakrishnan (D): Spine surgeon, father, and active community leader.  

• Anthony Paesano (R): Attorney and small business owner from Bloomfield Hills. 

10th District

Communities include Centerline, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Royal Oak, and Warren, with Democrats controlling this district with 67.7% of the vote. This district is expected to draw serious attention with a competitive Democratic Primary. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Mark Anthony Murphy Jr. (D): Previously ran for the state House in the 5th District in 2018. 

• Michelle Nard (R): Served two terms as Macomb County Commissioner, first for District 1 and then for District 12. Current founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zhanre Opportunity Enterprises.  

• Rep. Natalie Price (D): Former Berkley City Council member who now serves the 6th District in the Michigan House, bringing a background as a teacher and community advocate. 

• Amanda Treppa (D): Prominent organizer at Detroit Action who has earned the endorsement of Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). 

13th District 

Communities include West Bloomfield, Commerce, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, and Lyon Twp. With the newly redrawn areas, the 13th District is largely purple, evenly split between Democratic (51.1%) and Republican (48.9%) voters. This district was most recently represented by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield). 

Filed Candidates: 

• Ryan Berman (R): Former two‑term state representative who served in the Michigan House from 2019 to 2022, bringing a background as an attorney, reserve police officer, and community volunteer to his legislative work. 

• Sean Carlson (D): U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, public servant, and current Deputy County Executive in Oakland County. Carlson is endorsed by outgoing Sen. Bayer. 

• George Cecil (D): Small business owner and resident of New Hudson.  

• DC Anderson (D): Retired business owner and resident of Commerce Township with a minimal online presence.  

23rd District 

Communities include the northern half of Oakland County, mainly Clarkston, Springfield Township, Milford, Highland Township, White Lake, New Hudson, and Wixom. This district was most recently represented by term-limited Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), and leans heavily Republican, usually garnering around 60.7% of the vote. 

Filed Candidates: 

• Margarette Gupta (D): Oakland Township resident working in retail sales.  

• Greg Hill (D): Youth coach and small business owner. 

• Daniel Lawless (R): Previously served Oakland County on the Michigan Republican State Committee. 

• Rep. Donni Steele (R): Current state representative for House District 34 and previous Treasurer for Orion Township.  

24th District 

With communities including parts of Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, and Lapeer Counties, notably Macomb Twp., Lake Orion, Oxford, Almont, and Groveland Township, District 24 usually sees about a 58.6% Republican vote. District 24 is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Ruth Johnson (R- Groveland Township).  

Filed Candidates: 

• Frank Borsellino (D): Clinton Township resident who has previously ran for Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 2024. 

• Terence Mekoski (R): Previously served as a State Representative for the 36th district after being elected in a special election to fill the vacant seat.  

• Edlira Sako (D): Previously ran for Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 2024.  

• Rep. Doug Wozniak (R): Seasoned legislator, community leader, and small business owner, first elected to the Michigan House in 2018 and later won a 2021 special election to the state Senate before returning to the House in 2024.

10th District 

This district, anchored in southern Macomb County and including Rochester and Rochester Hills, is a critical hub for the defense and automotive sectors. It encompasses key communities such as Sterling Heights, Warren, and Clinton Township and is home to the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Historically a swing district, it was most recently represented by U.S. Rep. John James (R-MI 10), who is now vacating the seat to run for Michigan governor. The 10th District has solidified its Cook Political Report “Lean Republican” status. In the 2024 election, James expanded his margin of victory to 6.1%, indicating a district that is trending away from toss-up territory and becoming a more reliable GOP district. 

• Michael Bouchard (R): Son of Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who brings a narrative centered on military service and national security. Having returned from a nine-month deployment to Iraq in late 2025, his platform connects national defense with local economic interests. Bouchard has recently been endorsed by President Donald Trump.  

• Eric Chung (D): Former U.S. Department of Commerce attorney, his background includes work on implementing the CHIPS and Science Act, which he cites as evidence of his ability to bring manufacturing investment back to Michigan. 

• Steffan Demetropoulos (R): Army veteran and construction project manager, Demetropoulos served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2016, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and later continued in the Army Reserve with a deployment to Romania. 

• Tim Greimel (D): Former mayor of Pontiac and State Representative, Greimel brings his government experience to the race. His tenure was marked by efforts to revitalize Pontiac’s economy. 

• Christina Hines (D): Former Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney and currently an adjunct law professor at Wayne State University, Hines ran for Macomb County Prosecutor against Pete Lucido in 2024, losing by 14.25 points. 

• Justin Kirk (R): Associate attorney at Varnum who previously interned with former Congressman Paul Mitchell.  

11th District 

Centered on Oakland County, this district includes the suburbs of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Troy, as well as Pontiac and Farmington Hills. It is a center for white-collar professionals and the automotive technology sector. The seat is currently held by Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI 11), who is vacating her seat to run for the U.S. Senate. The 11th District is a Democratic fortress, with the Cook Political Report rating it +9 D, or a solid Democratic district. This partisan reality means the true contest for this seat is the Democratic primary on Aug. 4th. 

• Ethan Baker (R): Current mayor of Troy and a previous member of the Troy City Council. Professionally, he is an attorney in private practice, and early in his career, he served as the special assistant to former President Ronald Reagan from 2000 to 2004. 

• Aisha Farooqi (D): Attorney and film director who previously worked in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and in immigration issues and family law. She has served as a Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals member and formerly worked as a clerk for a judge at the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County. She has run two unsuccessful campaigns for the state House in the last two campaign cycles (2024 and 2022). 

• Anil Kumar (I): Currently a governor on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, the vice chief of urology at St. Joe’s Hospital in Pontiac, and Vice Chief of surgery at Crittenton Medical Center. He owns a urology practice and surgical center in the district. Kumar has run three times for the U.S. House, in 2014, 2016, and 2024.  

• State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D): Veteran legislator with a track record on election security and transparency. As chair of the Senate Elections Committee, he has built a reputation as a defender of democratic institutions, a stance that secured him a cross-endorsement from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. 

• John Paul Torres (D): Worked within Michigan’s criminal justice system as a probation officer, program director, and court administrator. Torres has served for the past decade on the Waterford School Board. 

• Don Ufford (D): Former Ford Motor Company executive, Ufford’s candidacy is built on his 30-year career in automotive engineering. He positions himself as a problem-solver who understands the technical needs of the region’s primary industry, contrasting his private sector experience with that of career politicians. 

The race for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) has drawn national attention and high-profile candidates. This statewide contest will test the political winds of a state that remains a key battleground. Michigan remains a quintessential “purple” state. In the 2024 election, voters split their tickets, voting Republican for President while electing a Democrat to the U.S. Senate by a slim margin. This volatility underscores that statewide races are consistently decided by razor-thin margins, making candidate quality and broad appeal the deciding factors. The Cook Political Report classifies this race as a toss-up. 

• Abdul El-Sayed (D): Former Wayne County Health Director and candidate for Michigan Governor campaigns on a worker-first platform, advocating for “Medicare for All,” environmental justice, and corporate accountability. He has also earned the endorsement of former U.S. Rep. Andy Levin and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. 

• U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI 11): Has built her Senate bid on a foundation of industrial policy and technological innovation. A champion of the CHIPS and Science Act, she continues to advocate for federal investments that strengthen domestic supply chains and support Michigan’s automotive sector. 

• Mike Rogers (R): Former Congressman and FBI agent, Rogers is the establishment favorite. He runs on a platform of deregulation, national security, and “merit shop” labor policies, a stance that earned him the early endorsement of the Association of Builders and Contractors. He focuses heavily on general election themes, attacking Democratic policies on inflation and taxes.