2026 election: Michigan Chamber announces first round of candidate endorsements

Advocacy News – June 5, 2026

What’s happening: The Michigan Chamber has announced its first round of endorsements for the 2026 election, backing 72 candidates for the Michigan House and Senate from both parties. The endorsements include 61 incumbent lawmakers seeking reelection and 11 candidates running for open legislative seats.

Why it matters: The decisions made by Michigan’s next State Legislature will shape the state’s competitiveness, workforce, tax climate, energy policy, legal environment, and overall economic future. Supporting candidates who understand the needs of employers and job providers – and the critical role they play in building thriving communities and economic opportunity for all – is essential to Michigan’s long-term success.

What we’re saying: “As our state looks to the future, it is critical we elect leaders who will advance policies that foster a strong economy, a competitive business climate, taxpayer protections and thriving communities,” said Jim Holcomb, president and CEO.

Behind the endorsements: Endorsements are made by the Michigan Chamber PAC Board, a group of member employers from across the state representing diverse industries, business sizes and regions. Candidates were evaluated through a combination of legislative voting records (for incumbents), questionnaires and personal interviews with a focus on identifying pragmatic problem solvers committed to economic growth, job creation and long-term competitiveness.

What’s next: Today’s announcement marks the first phase of the Chamber’s 2026 endorsement process. Endorsements for Attorney General, Secretary of State, congressional and judicial races are expected in the coming days, with additional legislative endorsements to follow the August primary.

Learn more: View the announcement here, plus the full list of endorsed candidates to date below and the Chamber’s 2025-26 Job Provider Index | Legislative Voting Record and Competitiveness Scorecard.

Incumbent Endorsements

The following incumbent lawmakers – 53 in the House and 8 in the Senate – have earned the Michigan Chamber’s endorsement for reelection based on their record of engagement and leadership on issues impacting job providers.

State House (53)

• 21^st – Kelly Breen (D)
• 25^th – Peter Herzberg (D)
• 27^th – Rylee Linting (R)
• 28^th – Jamie Thompson (R)
• 29^th – Jim DeSana (R)
• 30^th – William Bruck (R)
• 34^th – Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R)
• 35^th – Jennifer Wortz (R)
• 37^th – Brad Paquette (R)
• 39^th – Pauline Wendzel (R)
• 42^nd – Matt Hall (R)
• 43^rd – Rachelle Smit (R)
• 44^th – Steve Frisbie (R)
• 45^th – Sarah Lightner (R)
• 46^th – Kathy Schmaltz (R)
• 49^th – Ann Bollin (R)
• 50^th – Jason Woolford (R)
• 51^st – Matt Maddock (R)
• 52^nd – Mike Harris (R)
• 55^th – Mark Tisdel (R)
• 57^th – Thomas Kuhn (R)
• 58^th – Ron Robinson (R)
• 60^th – Joseph Aragona (R)
• 62^nd – Alicia St. Germaine (R)
• 63^rd – Jay DeBoyer (R)
• 64^th – Joseph Pavlov (R)
• 65^th – Jaime Greene (R)
• 67^th – Phil Green (R)
• 68^th – David Martin (R)
• 71^st – Brian BeGole (R)
• 72^nd – Mike Mueller (R)
• 76^th – Angela Witwer (D)
• 79^th – Angela Rigas (R)
• 83^rd – John Fitzgerald (D)
• 85^th – Brad Slagh (R)
• 86^th – Nancy DeBoer (R)
• 87^th – Will Snyder (D)
• 88^th – Greg VanWoerkom (R)
• 91^st – Pat Outman (R)
• 92^nd – Jerry Neyer (R)
• 93^rd – Tim Kelly (R)
• 95^th – Bill Schuette (R)
• 96^th – Timmy Beson (R)
• 98^th – Gregory Alexander (R)
• 99^th – Mike Hoadley (R)
• 100^th – Tom Kunse (R)
• 102^nd – Curt VanderWall (R)
• 104^th – John Roth (R)
• 105^th – Ken Borton (R)
• 106^th – Cam Cavitt (R)
• 107^th – Parker Fairbairn (R)
• 109^th – Karl Bohnak (R)
• 110^th – Gregory Markkanen (R)

State Senate (8)

• 9^th – Michael Webber (R)
• 16^th – Joseph Bellino (R)
• 17^th – Jonathan Lindsey (R)
• 18^th – Thomas Albert (R)
• 30^th – Mark Huizenga (R)
• 34^th – Roger Hauck (R)
• 36^th – Michele Hoitenga (R)
• 37^th – John Damoose (R)

Open-seat endorsements

The Michigan Chamber is also endorsing the following candidates seeking open legislative seats who have demonstrated a commitment to pragmatic leadership, economic growth and a strong business climate.

State House (3)

• 4^th – Regina Ross (D)
• 18^th – Kelly Garrett (D)
• 90^th – Lynn Afendoulis (R)

State Senate (8)

• 3^rd – Adam Hollier (D)
• 13^th – Ryan Berman (R)
• 22^nd – Mike Murphy (R)
• 23^rd – Donni Steele (R)
• 24^th – Doug Wozniak (R)
• 25^th – Andrew Beeler (R)
• 26^th – Matthew Bierlein (R)
• 32^nd – Kim Cole (R)