Part Two | Candidates in Focus: Southeast Michigan’s Open Senate Seats

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 Michigan Senate seats in Southeast Michigan. These open seats, reshaped by redistricting and term limits, will determine the direction of the state’s policymaking over the next four years.

The following overview is the second part of our Candidates in Focus Series. To read about the open Senate seats in Districts 1,2,10, and 23, click here. 

The Chamber PAC has not yet issued endorsements in these races and will evaluate all candidates closer to election day.

In District 3, which includes Hamtramck, Highland Park, and the Eastside of Detroit, the Democratic primary features a crowded slate of candidates for the open seat. This district is currently represented by term–limited Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). 

Filed Candidates:

John Conyers III: A lifelong Detroiter, entrepreneur, and political organizer, is running on a platform focused on affordability, economic mobility, and restoring trust in government. The son of the late Congressman John Conyers Jr. and former City Council President Monica Conyers, he has also authored “My Father’s House,” reflecting on his family’s civil‑rights legacy while continuing his own community‑based advocacy.  

LaTanya Garrett: The former three‑term State Representative who served in District 7 from 2015 to 2020. After leaving the House, Garrett continued her work in public service as a member of then-Michigan House Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI 13)’s staff during the 2021–22 legislative session, before he went on to run for U.S. Congress. Garrett is a Detroit community advocate with a background as an EMT, small‑business owner, and legislative leader. 

Korey Hall: A public servant and community builder who has spent his career working across state government, nonprofits, and local institutions to strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and expand opportunity. A former regional director and senior advisor in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office and previously a regional manager for former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Hall brings experience in coalition‑building and constituent service to his bid for the Michigan Senate. 

Adam Hollier: The former State Senator for District 2, U.S. Army paratrooper, and public servant known for his work protecting homeowners, expanding community investments, and supporting veterans while in the Senate. 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. 

Theodore James: An educator‑focused advocate who previously ran for the Michigan State Board of Education in 2024, where he mounted a competitive campaign but narrowly lost in the general election. James is known for championing strong public schools, student support services, and statewide educational equity.  

Eboni Taylor: A first‑time candidate whose career has centered on expanding political power and economic opportunity for Black women through leadership roles at organizations like Higher Heights and Mothering Justice. She emphasizes community‑driven leadership and accountability, with priorities focused on affordability, childcare access, public school investment, holding payday lenders accountable, and is notably endorsed early by Chang. 

Partisan Reality: According to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC), the Democratic stronghold with 96.2% Democratic voters, meaning the August primary will effectively decide the next senator. 

With communities that include parts of Livonia and all of Canton Township, Garden City, Inkster, Plymouth, and Westland, the 5th District blends suburban and working‑class communities. It has been trending steadily Democratic in recent cycles. 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-Plymouth): The former middle and high school teacher and past president of the Airport Education Association, who is currently serving his fourth term representing Michigan’s 22nd House District. A leading voice on education policy in Lansing, he has chaired the House Education Committee and authored legislation ranging from school libraries to public safety benefits, all rooted in his classroom experience and long-standing advocacy for students and working families. 

Candace Calloway: A Detroit‑born community advocate whose career spans academic intervention work with Detroit Public Schools, environmental stewardship as a Healthy Cities Program Associate, and now, General Services with The Nature Conservancy. Calloway has centered her campaign on affordability, education, and strong public infrastructure, earning the endorsement of outgoing Rep. Regina Weiss, who praised her as a proven advocate for working families and public schools. 

Partisan Reality: The 5th District is a solid Democratic seat with 60.6% Democratic voters, according to the MICRC. There are currently no Republicans filed. 

With communities including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Pontiac, Southfield, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, and Lathrup Village, District 7’s open seat has attracted notable Democratic interest. 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-Southfield): A state representative for the 18th House District, an attorney, and former Southfield City Council member who has built a record in Lansing focused on economic growth, housing affordability, and strengthening Michigan’s workforce. Under his leadership as chair of the House Committee on Economic Development, Hoskins advanced legislation to expand affordable housing, support small businesses, and improve government efficiency, including the creation of the $60 million Michigan Innovation Fund to boost underrepresented entrepreneurs and local economies. 

Shadia Martini: An architect, entrepreneur, and Oakland County business owner who immigrated to Michigan from Aleppo, Syria. After earning her MBA from the University of Michigan, she built several successful local businesses, including a real estate brokerage, construction company, and medical spa, while becoming a vocal advocate for democracy and community development.  

Rakesh Ramakrishnan: A spine surgeon, father, and active community leader whose career in orthopedic and spine care has been shaped by the values of hard work and service passed down from his immigrant parents. With degrees in chemistry, economics, business, and medicine, he brings an evidence‑based, problem‑solving approach to public service, rooted in grassroots political involvement and a commitment to strengthening Michigan’s health care system, education, and economy. 

Partisan Reality: With 69.3% of the vote according to the MICRC, and no Republicans filed, this seat is likely to remain Democratic.  

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

Filed Candidate:

Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township): A seasoned legislator and community leader, 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. A small‑business owner and practicing attorney, he has campaigned on constituent services and policy work spanning senior rights, probate reform, and local infrastructure. Wozniak is the first candidate to file for the open 24th Senate District. 

Partisan Reality: District 24 sees about a 41.4% Democrats vote compared to 58.6% for Republicans, according to the MICRC. This seat should remain under Republican control. 

With new district boundaries, an influx of first‑time candidates, and shifting partisan landscapes, these Southeast Michigan races will shape the balance of power in Lansing. 

When candidate fields finalize and endorsements move forward, the Chamber will continue providing analysis to help Michigan’s business community stay informed and engaged.