U.S. Senate, governor races in Michigan take shape ahead of absentee voting

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(The Center Square) – With just one month until absentee ballots go out in Michigan, state Republicans gathered at their nominating convention over the weekend to solidify their nominees.

Michigan Democrats will gather this weekend to do the same.

This comes as highly-contested races fill the ballot from the top to the bottom, with Michigan voters facing choices in the U.S. Senate race, the first open gubernatorial race since 2018, and numerous other statewide and local contests.

As a swing state, Michigan’s elections are often viewed as a bellwether for voters’ attitudes toward the two major parties nationwide.

This year, both parties are taking that seriously, pouring millions of dollars into races across the Great Lakes State.

U.S. Senate

The U.S. Senate race is considered especially important, as the outcome of the race will play a role in determining which party controls the 120th Congress.

Of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate, 33 are up for regular election in 2026, along with two special elections. Democrats currently hold 13 of the seats on the ballot, while Republicans hold 22.

In 2024, Michigan’s U.S. Senate race was decided by less than half a percentage point, with U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin narrowly defeating former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. Rogers is running again this election cycle as the Republican nominee after receiving the party’s backing unopposed.

On the other side of the aisle, Democrats were divided during the primary between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and establishment-backed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens.

After winning the primary on Aug. 4, El-Sayed has now turned his attention toward Election Day.

Rogers has received the endorsement of President Donald Trump and recent polling shows El-Sayed and Rogers statistically tied within the margin of error, with El-Sayed ahead 45.8% to 45%. That is according to the average of the last five polls compiled by 270toWin and a shift from before the primary, when polling showed Rogers beating El-Sayed.

Governor

In the gubernatorial race, U.S. Rep. John James will face off against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

James was first elected to the U.S. House in 2022, after two unsuccessful campaigns for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020, and for governor in 2022.

A veteran and businessman, James is running on a “Freedom Agenda.” His platform prioritizes ethics reform and transparency, ending fraud and waste, and passing a parents’ bill of rights. He has received the endorsement of Trump.

James received the unanimous backing of the Republican nominating convention over the weekend.

“The Republican Party was founded in Michigan to defeat slavery and hold this nation together,” James said. “Today, fellow patriots, you are here to answer the call again– this time to defeat extremism and hold this state together.”

Also at the convention, James announced his decision to officially nominate state Representative Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, to serve as his running mate for lieutenant governor. DeBoyer was also unanimously nominated by the Republican delegates.

“Jay is a proven conservative leader who knows how to get things done and together we will fight to put Michigan families first,” James said.

Across the aisle, Benson has received widespread Democratic support. She announced last week that she will move forward with state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, as her running mate for lieutenant governor.

“As lieutenant governor, Winnie will draw on her wealth of legislative knowledge to help implement our plans to lower costs and raise wages for Michigan families,” Benson posted to social media. “She's the right partner to help lead Michigan forward and I’m proud to have her join me in the fight for a brighter, more affordable future.”

Election Day is on Nov. 3, which is in 71 days. Absentee ballots go out on Sept. 24, which is in 31 days.