Michigan’s Primary Election was held Tuesday, Aug. 4, finalizing the ballot for the 2026 general election in November. Below is a summary of the projected results across top races, with official state and local outcomes expected to be available in the coming days on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
- Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson secured her position as the Democratic nominee for governor following a decisive primary victory. Benson’s campaign emphasizes election administration and the continuation of many of the policy priorities advanced during the Whitmer administration. Benson has served as Michigan’s Secretary of State since 2019 and previously served as dean of Wayne State University Law School from 2012 to 2016.
- S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) emerged as the Republican nominee for governor after a competitive primary. The congressman and Army veteran is focused on campaigning around economic growth, business development and conservative leadership, while aligning with the priorities of the GOP.
- Abdul El-Sayed will advance as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate following a close race with U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham). The former Detroit public health official is widely recognized for his focus on public health, economic opportunity and government accountability, drawing support from progressive voters.
- Mike Rogers won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate after running unopposed in the primary. Rogers, a former FBI special agent and U.S. representative, is known for his background in law enforcement and focus on national security, economic growth and public safety.
Most incumbent members of Michigan’s congressional delegation who sought re-election advanced without significant primary opposition. However, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) lost to state Rep. Donovan McKinney (D-Detroit) in Michigan’s heavily Democratic-leaning 13th Congressional District. At the state legislative level, several state House and Senate races took place for open seats and against incumbents seeking another term.
Key state legislative Primary Election races included:
- House District (HD) 8: Chris Gilmer-Hill secured the Democratic nomination against three-term incumbent state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). Gilmer-Hill is a policy manager for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.
- House District (HD) 54: Recent college graduate Roman Gaskey, Republican of Orion Township, narrowly defeated former Oxford Township Trustee Jeffrey Omtvedt, a small business owner out of Bloomfield Hills. This seat is currently held by state Rep. Donni Steele (R-Orion Township), who is running for the state Senate. Roman will face Democrat Sarah Pounds in the General Election.
- Senate District (SD) 1: Justin Onwenu advanced as the Democratic nominee for this Senate seat representing Detroit and parts of Downriver against former House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck). Onwenu currently serves as the City of Detroit’s Director of Small Business Affairs.
- Senate District (SD) 2: Abbas Alawieh, a former Congressional staffer, defeated current state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) by roughly 18 percentage points.
- Senate District (SD) 29: Current state Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) lost his state Senate primary to East Grand Rapids Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak.
Election Resources for Hospitals
The MHA launched the 2026 MI Vote Matters campaign earlier this year to help Michigan hospitals and healthcare teams relay the importance of voting in the upcoming primary and general elections.
The MHA encourages members to visit the MHA Elections webpage to access resources that highlight how voting helps protect access to care and ensures state leaders prioritize what’s in the best interest of Michigan’s healthcare community and those they serve.
Additionally, the MHA Health PAC protects access to care across the state by supporting and informing state and federal decision-makers who champion the best interests of Michigan patients, healthcare workers and communities. The MHA does not endorse candidates or races.
MI Vote Matters Posters & Graphics
The posters below are geared toward patients, families, visitors and staff. They are available to be printed, laminated and mailed through an online form at no cost to MHA members. Each poster can be affixed behind any plastic or plexiglass barrier. A candidate guide will also be available ahead of the general election.
Race of the Week
Come November, Michigan residents will have the opportunity to vote for the seats listed below. Those interested in learning more about candidates leading up to Election Day are encouraged to subscribe to MHA Monday Report to follow the upcoming MHA Race of the Week series, which will share more about those in the running for:
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Secretary of State
- U.S. Senator
For more information regarding election results, contact the MHA advocacy team.
Michigan’s Primary Election was held Tuesday, Aug. 4, finalizing the ballot for the 2026 general election in November. Below is a summary of the projected results across top races, with official state and local outcomes expected to be available in the coming days on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
Election Resources for Hospitals
