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Governors

Whitmer Calls Special Election for Vacant 35th Senate District

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called a special election to fill the vacant 35th Senate District seat, which has been left empty for nearly eight months since U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet departed for a seat in Congress. The special election will take place on February 3, 2026, with the general election scheduled for May 5, 2026. The seat is considered a crucial battleground for both parties, with Democrats holding a slim 20-19 majority in the Senate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The special election will be held on February 3, 2026, with the general election scheduled for May 5, 2026, to fill the vacant 35th Senate District seat.
  • The seat is considered a key target for both parties, with Democrats holding a slim 20-19 majority in the Senate and Republicans looking to gain a crucial seat.
  • The election will have significant implications for Governor Whitmer's ability to advance her policy agenda, as a split Senate could limit her ability to pass legislation.
  • The Michigan Democratic Party is confident in their ability to expand their majority and win the special election, with Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks stating "we will continue to deliver for everyday Michiganders."
  • Senate Democrats are highlighting the differences between their agenda and that of Republicans, with Sen. Darrin Camilleri stating "Republicans have voted to cut funding to schools and healthcare all while continuously siding with special interests over working people."
  • The field of candidates is growing, with financial firm executive Chadwick Twillman, Michigan Board of Education President Pamela Pugh, and Saginaw County Democrats Chair Brandell Adams all announcing their candidacy.
  • Republicans are also weighing their options, with Midland Rep. Bill G. Schuette and Bay City Rep. Timmy Beson both rumored to consider running for the seat.
  • Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel slammed Republicans, stating "Republicans are gutting critical programs and hurting Michiganders - and they've had enough."

Statistics:

  • 270,000 Michiganders have been left without representation in the seat since U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet departed for a seat in Congress.
  • The special election will be the 12th special election held in Michigan since 2020, with the cost of the election estimated to exceed $1 million.
  • The 35th Senate District has a population of over 272,000 people, with Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties making up the majority of the district.
  • Democrats are outperforming Republicans in voter registration in the district, with Democrats holding a 14,000-voter registration advantage.

Sources:

  • Michigan Advance
  • Gretchen Whitmer's statement on calling a special election
  • Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks' statement on the special election
  • Sen. Darrin Camilleri's statement on the special election
  • Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel's statement on the special election
  • Midland Rep. Bill G. Schuette's statement on the special election
  • Pamela Pugh's statement on her candidacy
  • Brandell Adams' statement on his candidacy
  • Greg Manz' statement on the public relation disaster for Michigan Dems

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