With the 2024 election cycle behind us, Michigan politicos have their sights set on the state and national seats that will be up for grabs come 2026. In addition to open races for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, Michigan will have a vacant Senate seat available after Democrat Senator Gary Peters announced this week that he will not seek reelection.

As Democrats look to solidify Gretchen Whitmer’s progressive legacy, Republicans are eager to win back control of their state. Both parties have reason to hope: President Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris by 1.4 points in the battleground state this fall, but Democrat Senator Elissa Slotkin edged out Republican candidate Mike Rogers by 0.3 points. 
It remains to be seen whether this mismatched outcome was a sign of conservative resurgence in Michigan — and a lasting Republican realignment sparked by Trump — or a one-off underperformance by Democrats peddling “brat” to Rust Belt union workers. A lot can happen in two years. And with so many open seats, Michigan’s 2026 election could come down to strategically running the right candidates for the right roles. 
Race for the Governor’s Mansion 
Several individuals have already put in early bids to succeed Whitmer as governor. Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is the first Republican to launch a campaign, though former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has formed a campaign committee for a potential run. 
Both men have years of experience in Michigan politics. Nesbitt has held leadership roles during his time in both branches of the Michigan legislature, and he served in Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet. And Cox was a Detroit-area prosecutor before serving as attorney general from 2003-2011. He previously ran for governor in 2010, earning 23 percent of the primary vote.
On the other side of the aisle, Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her gubernatorial aspirations last week, though her roll-out was plagued by mi...