Why It Matters
Michigan’s 2026 election cycle is rapidly taking shape, with a wave of endorsements from labor unions, environmental groups, law enforcement organizations, and political networks signaling where key institutional players are placing their bets across competitive Senate, gubernatorial, and congressional races.
Senate Race Endorsements
On the Republican side, the Michigan Farm Bureau backed Mike Rogers of White Lake for the U.S. Senate GOP primary, while the Great Lakes Conservatives Fund announced a seven-figure statewide advertising campaign on his behalf.
The Democratic Senate primary is drawing competing institutional support. The 12th Congressional District Democrats endorsed Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak, while the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party backed Haley Stevens. Both candidates are competing for the party’s nomination ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched general election contest.
Gubernatorial Race
Michigan’s open governor’s race is attracting high-profile backing across party lines. Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien endorsed Chris Swanson for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. On the Republican side, the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police endorsed John James of Shelby Township, while Michigan College Republicans threw their support behind former Attorney General Mike Cox.
Detroit Mayor Sheffield has also weighed in on the Democratic side of the race, backing Jocelyn Benson for governor and citing an affordability agenda as central to his endorsement.
Congressional District Dynamics
Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, currently held by Republican Tom Barrett of Charlotte, is attracting a contested Democratic primary. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith of Washington and the Michigan Laborers District Council (LIUNA) both endorsed former U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink. Meanwhile, retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam picked up backing from Rep. Pat Ryan of New York and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 1M. Progressive group Indivisible endorsed Will Lawrence in the same race.
In Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, the UAW Region 1D endorsed Democrat Sean McCann of Kalamazoo, who is challenging incumbent Republican Bill Huizenga of Holland Township. The Cook Political Report moved the district from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican” on Thursday — a notable shift reflecting increased Democratic competitiveness in the seat.
McCann’s campaign released internal polling showing him leading Huizenga by three points. Huizenga holds a cash-on-hand advantage at $1.8 million compared to McCann’s $1 million, though McCann outraised the incumbent during the first quarter of 2026.
In Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, the Michigan Laborers’ District Council endorsed Tim Greimel for the Democratic congressional nomination. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Bay City, running for reelection in the 8th Congressional District, received an endorsement from the Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac.
Statewide Office Races
The Equality Michigan Action Network endorsed Garlin Gilchrist for Michigan Secretary of State and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for Michigan Attorney General. Reproductive Freedom for All also backed Savit in the attorney general race.
By the Numbers
- $1.8 million — Bill Huizenga’s cash on hand in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District
- $1 million — Sean McCann’s cash on hand; McCann outraised Huizenga in Q1 2026
- 3 points — McCann’s lead over Huizenga in internal campaign polling
- Seven figures — Great Lakes Conservatives Fund’s planned ad spend for Mike Rogers statewide
- 20+ — Fellows being deployed by OutVote’s 2026 Fellowship Program to Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and other communities
Zoom Out
Michigan’s competitive environment mirrors national trends, where candidates across both parties are rapidly accumulating endorsements and launching paid media campaigns earlier than in past cycles. The Cook Political Report’s reclassification of Michigan’s 4th District is part of a broader reassessment of Midwestern seats that Republicans had considered safe heading into the midterm cycle.
What’s Next
Primary elections will ultimately determine the nominees in Michigan’s crowded congressional and statewide races. With organizational endorsements now lining up and paid advertising beginning to air, the pace of campaign activity is expected to accelerate through the summer months as candidates compete for visibility ahead of the August primary.