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.

This update will be published as a two‑part series due to the number of open seats in the Detroit Region this cycle.

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

Communities include Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, and parts of Allen Park, Detroit, and Taylor. Expect a competitive Democratic primary, and the general election is likely to heavily favor Democrats based on historic voting patterns. This district is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor).

Filed Candidates:

Abraham Aiyash: A previous two‑term state representative and former Majority Floor Leader in the Michigan House, Aiyash is known for his focus on economic justice and kitchen‑table affordability. He is running on an ambitious agenda that includes eliminating ZIP‑code–based car insurance pricing, expanding and improving access to affordable childcare, and freezing rising utility costs for working families.

Justin Onwenu: A fourth‑generation Detroiter, attorney, organizer, and former Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit, where he worked to expand access to capital for small businesses and strengthen economic opportunities across the city. Onwenu is campaigning on rebuilding the economy, supporting workers, and delivering accountable, community‑focused leadership for Detroit and Downriver.

Partisan Reality: According to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC), this district is a Democratic stronghold (84.3% Democrat) and will be won in the Primary.

Communities include all of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, as well as parts of Allen Park and Detroit. District 2 is one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the state and is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit).

Filed Candidates:

Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn): Current State Representative for the 15^th House District, Byrnes is a former special education teacher and University of Michigan voting‑engagement leader. She has spent her time strengthening civic participation, supporting working families, and advancing ethics and oversight reforms in Lansing.

Rep. Tullio Liberati Jr. (D-Allen Park): Current State Representative for the 2nd House District serving his third term, Liberati brings decades of experience as a licensed builder and community advocate into his legislative work. A former construction company owner who succeeded his brother in public service, he has focused on community safety, economic development, and practical problem‑solving rooted in his deep ties to the district.

Partisan Reality: With 63.5% of votes, District 2 is a solid Democratic seat, according to the MICRC, with the real contest likely to occur in the primary.

Communities include Centerline, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Royal Oak, and Warren. This district is expected to draw serious attention, with both Democratic candidates receiving significant attention.

Filed Candidates:

Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley): A former Berkley City Council member who now serves the 6^th District in the Michigan House, bringing a background as a teacher and community advocate. Known for her emphasis on collaborative, community‑driven governance, her campaign is built on listening deeply, legislating boldly, and advancing policies that strengthen schools, support families, and expand opportunity across her district.

Amanda Treppa: A business leader and community advocate whose lived experiences, ranging from early childhood in foster care to a career advancing equity and worker protections, anchors her run for the Michigan Senate. Now a prominent organizer at Detroit Action and a champion for policies addressing cost of living, housing, and public health, she has earned the high‑profile endorsement of Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), who is running for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Partisan Reality: The MICRC estimates the Democrats control this district with 67.7% of the vote.

Communities include West Bloomfield, Commerce, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, and Lyon Twp. With the newly redrawn district, the 13^th District is largely purple. This district was most recently represented by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield).

Filed Candidates:

Democratic Field

Sean Carlson: A U.S. Army and Air Force veteran and public servant, Carlson currently serves as a Deputy County Executive in Oakland County, where he has focused on modernizing government services and strengthening the county’s economic competitiveness. Endorsed by outgoing Bayer, he enters the competitive race with a platform centered on affordability, small‑business growth, veteran support, and public education.

Republican Field

Ryan Berman: A 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. In 2022, he ran for Michigan Attorney General, ultimately losing the Republican primary, and now remains active in public and legal service as he seeks a return to higher office.

Partisan Reality: The MICRC found that the 13^th District is evenly split between Democratic (51.1%) and Republican (48.9%) voters. This race will be one to watch come November.

Communities include the northern half of Oakland County, mainly Clarkston, Springfield Twp., Milford, Highland Twp., White Lake, New Hudson, and Wixom. This district was most recently represented by term-limited Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake).

Filed Candidates:

Democratic Field

Greg Hill: A youth coach and small business owner whose experience organizing local gym owners during the COVID‑19 pandemic shutdowns drove him to engage more deeply in public policy. He grew up in White Lake and later co‑founded a gym where his community-focused leadership shaped his commitment to helping working families. Hill emphasizes affordability, strong schools, and giving everyday residents a real voice in their government.

Republican Field

Rep. Donni Steele (R-Lake Orion): A local official turned state legislator, Steele brings decades of small‑business and real estate experience paired with a decade of hands‑on township leadership. Her tenure as Orion Township treasurer and trustee earned her a reputation for modernizing local government operations and improving taxpayer accessibility, experience she now carries into the House Appropriations Committee. Currently representing House District 34, Steele’s long‑standing work on community infrastructure underscores her focus on practical, resident‑centered governance.

Partisan Reality: District 23 is a heavily Republican area, usually garnering around 60.7% of the vote, per the MICRC.

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.