Michigan Democratic Party

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a Grand Rapids campaign stop, pitching him as someone who will "stand up for Michigan" while casting Republican opponent Mike Rogers as likely to "fold for Donald Trump." The appearance marked a rare joint event given the two Democrats' rocky history, including a 2018 gubernatorial primary against each other and Whitmer's earlier endorsement of El-Sayed's primary rival.

The tightening race, which could help decide Senate control, later turned contentious during a televised Grand Rapids debate. Rogers accused El-Sayed of failing to acknowledge the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on its anniversary, calling it grounds for voter anger; El-Sayed said he had condemned the attack and accused Rogers of exploiting it as "political theater," a label Rogers then turned back on El-Sayed's campaign generally, including his use of a "doctor" title. El-Sayed has also faced attacks on his name and faith, including a Trump social media post calling him "Mohammed" and a "terrorist sympathizer," which he dismissed as distractions from economic issues like gas and grocery prices.

Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate John James joined Senate candidate Mike Rogers in calling for a quick end to the Iran War, breaking from President Trump's public defense of the conflict. James, a combat veteran, said "Iran cannot have a nuke" but urged using "every resource" to end the war quickly, while praising the administration's diplomatic and economic efforts. Rogers similarly called for the war to end "quickly," warning it is driving up costs for Michigan families, and has proposed suspending both the state and federal gas tax, a combined 70 cents a gallon, along with a temporary embargo on U.S. diesel exports.

Democrats pushed back, noting James voted against multiple congressional resolutions demanding an end to the war or requiring authorization to continue it, including a September 15 measure that passed 220-204. The Michigan Democratic Party accused James of "trying to desperately lie about his record" as gas hovers near $5 a gallon and diesel prices hit record highs. James has not committed to suspending the state or federal gas tax, unlike Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, who backs pausing the federal tax. In the Senate race, Rogers trails Democrat Abdul El-Sayed by roughly 7 points in recent polling, while Trump has defended the war and warned he could act more forcefully against Iran absent a peace deal.

The Michigan Democratic Party held its nominating convention in Lansing, drawing roughly 2,000 delegates — far fewer than the nearly 8,000 who attended the spring endorsement convention in Detroit. With the primary already decided, the gathering focused on unifying the party behind Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the state's open U.S. Senate seat, a position Democrats have held for more than 45 years.

Party Chairman Curtis Hertel Jr. said Democrats have coalesced after primary infighting. El-Sayed worked to reassure Jewish Democrats still wary of his candidacy while sharply criticizing Republican opponent Mike Rogers, linking him to President Trump and his trade policies toward Canada. Delegates also approved the party's nominees for attorney general (Eli Savit), secretary of state (Gralin Gilchrist), and lieutenant governor (Sen. Winnie Brinks, running alongside gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson).

Michigan Democrats officially nominated Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for governor and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for lieutenant governor at the party's nominating convention in Lansing. Brinks faced no challengers and was confirmed by voice vote, setting up a Benson-Brinks ticket that would make history as the state's first all-woman governor-lieutenant governor pairing if elected. The ticket will face Republican nominee U.S. Rep. John James and running mate state Rep. Jay DeBoyer in the November general election.

Brinks used her acceptance speech to tie James to President Trump's tariff policies, while James's campaign called the Democratic slate the "most radical" in state history. Delegates also finalized previously endorsed nominees, including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for attorney general. Attorney General Dana Nessel skipped the event, citing concerns about antisemitism within the party. The general election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.

Michigan Republicans gathered in Mount Pleasant on Aug. 22 for their nominating convention, finalizing a statewide ticket ahead of a November midterm that will decide the governorship, a U.S. Senate seat and other key offices. The event ratified April's endorsement convention picks, confirming Anthony Forlini and Doug Lloyd as nominees for secretary of state and attorney general, and formally nominated state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as gubernatorial candidate John James' running mate. James and Senate nominee Mike Rogers used the stage to attack Democrats over antisemitism, socialism and economic issues, with Rogers casting Democratic Senate rival Abdul El-Sayed as untrustworthy. Party figures emphasized unity and a "positive" tone after past fractures within the state GOP.

James will face Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson, who recently named state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate. Despite the enthusiasm, Republicans trailed Democrats in primary turnout and face fundraising gaps down-ballot. Chairman Jim Runestad said Michigan remains competitive and must be "earned," while Democrats countered that voters will hold Republicans accountable for economic conditions. Democrats hold their own convention the following weekend to confirm their ticket.