Michigan · 2026 Midterms

What's on your Michigan ballot

A clear, nonpartisan rundown of the candidates and races Michigan voters will decide in the 2026 midterms, with where each candidate stands and how competitive the race is.

Open the interactive guide → Updated August 2026

U.S. Senate, Michigan

El-Sayed vs RogersToo close to call

Open seat after Democratic Sen. Gary Peters declined to seek a third term. A genuine toss-up: all major handicappers rate it even, and polling averages show the race essentially tied, with individual polls ranging from Rogers +4 to El-Sayed +7.

Abdul El-Sayed Democrat

Physician and former Detroit health director; 2018 candidate for governor

Toss-uprating · Won the Aug 4 Democratic primary over Rep. Haley Stevens (AP)
  • HealthcareSupports Medicare for All and lowering prescription costs
  • EconomyPopulist agenda focused on working- and middle-class families
  • Foreign policyHas been critical of Israel's conduct in Gaza
versus
Mike Rogers Republican

Former U.S. Representative (2001-2015) and former House Intelligence Committee chair

Toss-uprating · Ran unopposed for the GOP nomination; narrowly lost the 2024 Senate race
  • EconomyTax and spending restraint; mainstream conservative record
  • GovernmentTrump-endorsed; emphasizes experience and national security
  • ImmigrationStronger border enforcement

Governor

Benson vs JamesCompetitive

Open seat; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Rated Lean Democratic; public polls show Benson ahead by low-to-mid single digits.

Jocelyn Benson Democrat

Michigan Secretary of State since 2019; former law school dean

Favoredrating · Won the Aug 4 Democratic primary (AP); leads in public polling
  • GovernmentEmphasizes election administration and voter access
  • EconomyContinuation of the outgoing administration's economic priorities
  • EducationInvestment in public schools and workforce training
versus
John James Republican

U.S. Representative since 2023; business executive and Army veteran

Competitiverating · Won the Aug 4 Republican primary (AP)
  • EconomyTax relief and a business-friendly regulatory approach
  • GovernmentTrump-endorsed; would be Michigan's first elected Black Republican governor
  • ImmigrationStronger border enforcement

This page is a research starting point, not an endorsement. Ballot Awareness is not affiliated with any candidate, party, or government body. Candidate and primary results are verified against Ballotpedia, the NBC News 2026 election results, and the Associated Press. Race ratings are editorial assessments based on public race ratings (such as the Cook Political Report) and polling, not predictions. Always verify with your official Michigan election information before voting.

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