Michigan: what's on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Every candidate below is listed alphabetically, with party shown as text only. Open a name for their stated positions, background and recent news, each with sources.
Open Michigan on the mapKey dates
- Last day to register online or by mail: October 19, 2026. From October 20 through Election Day you can still register in person at your city or township clerk's office if you bring proof of residency. Same-day registration closes at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- Statewide early in-person voting: October 24, 2026 to November 1, 2026. Every community must offer at least these nine days. Some communities may start as early as October 5. You can also vote in person with an absentee ballot at your clerk's office from September 24 until 4 p.m. on November 2.
- Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or online: October 30, 2026. Requests are due by 5 p.m. You can still request and fill out an absentee ballot in person at your clerk's office until 4 p.m. on November 2. Absentee ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. on Election Day, and postmarks do not count.
- Election Day: November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Official election information: Michigan Department of State – Elections
Who's running
Only the U.S. Senate and governor races are loaded so far. Other statewide offices, ballot measures, U.S. House and local races aren't loaded yet. Check your sample ballot for the full list.
U.S. Senate
This is a six-year term and an open seat, because Senator Gary Peters (D) is not running for re-election.
- Lydia Christensen Libertarian · Open seat
Lydia Christensen is a computer scientist and technology founder from Ironwood, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, who says she grew up in the foster care system. The Libertarian Party… - Abdul El-Sayed Democratic · Open seat
Abdul El-Sayed is a physician and former Detroit and Wayne County public health official. He won Michigan's August 2026 Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, defeating U.S. Rep.… - Walter P. Kristy Natural Law · Open seat
Walter P. Kristy is the Natural Law Party nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. He is registered with the Federal Election Commission… - Tim Long U.S. Taxpayers · Open seat
Timothy (Tim) Long is the U.S. Taxpayers Party nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan. He is running for the open seat that Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is leaving, and he will be on… - Douglas P. Marsh Green · Open seat
Douglas P. Marsh is the Green Party nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan in the November 3, 2026 general election, running for the open seat left by Sen. Gary Peters (D), who is not… - Mike Rogers Republican · Open seat
Mike Rogers is a former FBI agent and a seven-term former Republican U.S. Representative from Michigan who lives in White Lake Township. He is the Republican nominee for the U.S.…
Governor / Lt. Governor
This is a four-year term and an open seat, because Governor Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits. Governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on one ticket. The running mates are Winnie Brinks (with Benson), Jay DeBoyer (with James), Beau Parmenter (with Hudson), Robert Donald Cowper II (with Brandenburg) and Bobbie Clay (with Campbell).
- Jocelyn Benson Democratic · Open seat
Jocelyn Benson is a Democrat who has been Michigan's Secretary of State since 2019. She is the Democratic nominee for governor in the November 3, 2026 general election. Her running… - Donna Brandenburg U.S. Taxpayers · Open seat
Donna Brandenburg is a Byron Center business owner and chairs the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan. She was the party's 2022 nominee for governor after being kept off that year's… - Douglas Campbell Green · Open seat
Douglas Campbell, of Ferndale, is the Green Party of Michigan's nominee for governor in the November 3, 2026 general election, with Bobbie Clay of Benton Harbor as his running mate… - Anthony Hudson Libertarian · Open seat
Anthony Hudson is a truck driver and small business owner from Grand Blanc Township. He ran in the 2024 Republican primary for a U.S. House seat, entered the 2026 governor's race… - John James Republican · Open seat
John James is a Republican U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th Congressional District and a former Army aviation officer. President Trump endorsed him, and he won the August 4,…