Candidates in Focus: Michigan’s Open Federal Elections 

With the 2026 election cycle in full swing and candidates making their case for representing Michiganders, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Public Policy and Business Advocacy team has prepared a three-part series analyzing the major elections in the Detroit Region’s open seats. This edition focuses on three federal elections, highlighting the candidates who have begun to position themselves to win in November 2026.

The Chamber PAC has not yet made endorsements in any races outside of Mike Duggan for Governor and will be considering endorsements closer to the election.

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.

Republican Field

• Michael Bouchard: The son of Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, “Captain Mike” 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. His entry has galvanized the establishment wing of the party, earning early support from reliable Republican donors.

• Robert Lulgjuraj: A prosecutor in the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Lulgjuraj runs on a law-and-order platform that resonates with the district’s conservative base. His messaging emphasizes his local roots and his work in the justice system, positioning him as a tough-on-crime candidate. He has adopted positions of economic protectionism and support for the working class, a message he reinforces through his “He’s Our Guy” ad campaign, which plays on his local ties.

Democratic Field

• Eric Chung: A former U.S. Department of Commerce attorney, Chung offers a technocratic approach focused on industrial policy. 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.

• Tim Greimel: The former Mayor of Pontiac and a former State Representative, Greimel brings his government experience to the race. His tenure was marked by efforts to revitalize Pontiac’s economy.

Partisan Reality: 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. The Republican primary winner will start the general election with a distinct advantage.

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.

Democratic Field

• State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield): Representing the traditional path to Congress, Moss is a 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.

• Don Ufford: A 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.

Republican Field

• Mike Steger: A political intelligence operative who has worked with various Republican campaigns, Steger’s policy priorities focus on bringing back high-paying manufacturing jobs to Oakland County and raising wages for the working class.

Partisan Reality: 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. 4, 2026.

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.

Democratic Field

• Abdul El-Sayed: The former Wayne County Health Director and former 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.

• State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak): McMorrow represents a younger generation of leadership in the Democratic Party. She gained national fame for her 2022 spirited floor speech and has capitalized on her viral fame for fundraising efforts. Her platform emphasizes social progressivism alongside economic modernization.

• U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI 11): Known for her manufacturing focus, Stevens 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.

Republican Field

• Mike Rogers: A 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.

• Bernadette Smith: A former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, Smith positions herself as a grassroots conservative, challenging the party establishment.

Partisan Reality: 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.