Advocacy News – Aug. 6, 2026
Why it matters: Michigan voters have now determined the nominees who will compete this November in races that will shape the state’s economic, regulatory and political landscape for years to come. With competitive races for governor, U.S. Senate and the Legislature, Michigan is once again expected to be one of the nation’s premier political battlegrounds this fall.
By the numbers:
- 82 of the Michigan Chamber’s 83 endorsed legislative candidates will advance to the November ballot.
- The results reflect the strength of the Chamber’s targeted endorsement program, which supports leaders committed to advancing practical pro-growth policies that strengthen free enterprise, enhance Michigan’s competitiveness and create greater opportunities for businesses, workers and communities alike.
- The Chamber expects to announce additional endorsements ahead of the November election following its ongoing evaluation of candidates and races across the state.
- Approximately 2.5 million Michiganders voted in the 2026 primary, up from roughly 2 million who participated in the 2024 primary.
- More than 1.4 million voters cast absentee ballots, while nearly 140,000 voters took advantage of early in-person voting and continuing the trend toward greater use of these options.
- Democratic turnout significantly outpaced Republican participation, with roughly 550,000 more ballots cast in the Democratic gubernatorial primary than in the Republican contest.
Primary election takeaways:
- Every vote matters. Michigan’s Democratic primary for the open U.S. Senate seat was decided by less than 1 percentage point, serving as a reminder that even statewide races can hinge on a relatively small number of votes and setting the stage for what is expected to be another highly competitive general election.
- Voter participation remained strong. Increased turnout compared to the last primary election, combined with continued growth in absentee and early voting, reflects evolving voting habits and sustained engagement from Michigan voters.
- Political coalitions continue to evolve. On the Democratic side, progressive-backed candidates were successful in several high-profile contests, highlighting ongoing debates over the party’s direction and policy priorities. Those dynamics could shape legislative agendas on issues most important to Michigan employers well beyond the November election.
- Michigan remains a national battleground. With competitive races for governor, U.S. Senate and control of the Legislature, national attention will remain focused on Michigan through November, underscoring the importance of informed voter participation and engagement on the issues that will shape the state’s future.
- Michigan’s future is on the ballot. The outcomes this November will help shape decisions affecting taxes, workforce development, infrastructure, energy, legal climate and other policies that influence Michigan’s competitiveness for years to come.
Governor’s race:
- Republican John James secured his party’s nomination for governor.
- Democrat Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination.
- The two will face off this November in one of the country’s most closely watched gubernatorial races. The Chamber has not yet endorsed a candidate for the state’s top post but will consider doing so in the coming weeks.
Secretary of State & Attorney General:
- Michigan’s major parties selected their nominees for Secretary of State and Attorney General earlier this year at their state conventions, so those offices were not on the August primary ballot.
- Republicans nominated Anthony Forlini for Secretary of State and Doug Lloyd for Attorney General, both of whom the Chamber has endorsed.
- Democrats nominated Garlin Gilchrist II for Secretary of State and Eli Savit for Attorney General.
U.S. Senate:
- Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination by for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat after defeating Haley Stevens in one of the closest statewide primary contests in history.
- El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.
Get involved: Elections have real consequences for Michigan employers. The Michigan Chamber will continue providing members with election updates, candidate endorsement information and issue analysis while advocating for policies that support free enterprise, job creation and a stronger Michigan economy. Members also can help advance a pro-business policy environment by supporting the Michigan Chamber’s advocacy efforts and PACs as the election season continues.
Bottom line: With the primary election complete, attention now turns to the November general election. The Michigan Chamber will continue engaging with candidates and advocating for commonsense policies that strengthen Michigan’s economy, improve the state’s competitiveness and help businesses, workers, and communities thrive while championing the principles of free enterprise that drive opportunity across our state.