Michigan’s 2026 political landscape is growing more competitive by the week, with gubernatorial hopefuls, U.S. Senate contenders, and congressional candidates all collecting high-profile endorsements and, in at least one case, rolling out a major television advertising campaign.
Gubernatorial Contest Draws Labor and Faith Backing
On the Democratic side of the governor’s race, former Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has secured endorsements from three distinct organizations: the UAW Community Action Plan member-elected board, the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Michigan-Ontario Council of Bishops. The breadth of the backing spans organized labor and religious leadership, signaling an effort to build a broad coalition ahead of the primary.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, also seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, has likewise been active in courting labor support, picking up endorsements from Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2 of Michigan along with two separate Teamsters locals. The labor competition between Benson and Swanson underscores how significant union backing remains in Michigan Democratic primaries.
On the Republican side, Perry Johnson emerged from a straw poll of Ottawa County Republican delegates as the preferred candidate, an early indicator of organizational support in a traditionally conservative West Michigan county.
Senate Race and Congressional Contests Heat Up
In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed secured an endorsement from the UAW, one of the most influential labor organizations in the state. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, another Democratic Senate candidate, received a notable boost from Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Coleman A. Young II.
Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is drawing a crowded field with multiple candidates seeking visibility. Democrat Will Lawrence, backed by former U.S. Rep. Andy Levin, plans joint campaign appearances with his endorser. Democrat Bridget Brink earned the support of Delta Township Trustee Andrea Cascarilla. Republican Matt Maasdam launched what his campaign described as a seven-figure ad buy spanning television, streaming, and digital platforms across three media markets — Lansing, Detroit, and Flint. The campaign, which centers on his two decades of Navy SEAL service, is titled “My Job” and marks one of the first significant broadcast efforts of the 2026 cycle in that district.
In Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, Republican Phil Tanis has entered the race to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga in the GOP primary, adding a contested Republican contest to an already active cycle.
Down-Ballot Activity
Several state-level races are also generating endorsement activity. State Sen. Jeremy Moss, running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District seat, received backing from the Human Rights Campaign PAC. Democrat Eric Chung, seeking the 10th Congressional District nomination, was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware. State House candidate Katrina Manetta, running in the 58th District, earned the support of AFSCME Michigan 925.
In Ann Arbor, progressive Democrat Yousef Rabhi — running for mayor — picked up endorsements from both UAW Region 1A and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, reflecting the race’s broader national progressive attention.
Business Community Makes Its Preferences Known
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued endorsements for 72 state House and Senate candidates as part of its 2026 cycle activity, with 61 of those being incumbents. The business-aligned organization’s endorsement list reflects its continued focus on legislative continuity across a wide swath of statehouse races. Michigan’s broader economic pressures — including strain felt at the county level — have made business community endorsements a particularly watched signal this cycle. Even relatively prosperous communities like Oakland County have not been immune to the state’s fiscal headwinds, a backdrop that shapes the policy debate candidates are navigating.
Agricultural and energy policy are also shaping some campaign dynamics. Federal funding cancellations affecting Michigan farms have drawn attention to the intersection of rural economic concerns and the state’s congressional races, adding another layer to candidate positioning on federal policy.
What’s Next
With primaries approaching, the pace of endorsements and advertising spending is expected to accelerate. Labor organizations, business groups, and national political figures are all now visibly engaged in Michigan’s 2026 contests, signaling that the state will once again serve as a closely watched battleground at multiple levels of government.