Michigan voters have less than a month before absentee ballots are mailed on Sept. 24, and both major parties are finalizing their tickets for the November 3 election. Over the weekend, the state Republican Party held its nominating convention, confirming former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers as its Senate candidate and Rep. John James as its gubernatorial nominee.
U.S. Senate race
Mike Rogers, who lost narrowly to Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024, secured the Republican nomination unopposed. He carries the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. The Democratic primary produced a close contest between progressive activist Dr. Abdul El‑Sayed and establishment‑backed Rep. Haley Stevens. Dr. El‑Sayed won the primary on Aug. 4 and now faces Rogers in the general election.
Recent polling compiled by 270toWin shows the two candidates essentially tied, with El‑Sayed at 45.8% and Rogers at 45% within the margin of error. This marks a shift from earlier polls that gave Rogers a slight edge.
Governor’s race
On the governor’s ticket, Rep. John James received unanimous support from the Republican convention. James, a veteran and businessman, ran on a “Freedom Agenda” that includes ethics reform, transparency, and a parents’ bill of rights. He also carries Trump’s endorsement. At the convention, James announced state Rep. Jay DeBoyer of Clay Township as his running mate for lieutenant governor.
Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who won her party’s nomination earlier, will run with state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids as her lieutenant‑governor pick. Benson’s campaign emphasizes lowering costs and raising wages for Michigan families.
Election timeline
Michigan’s ballot will feature a full slate of statewide and local contests, including the open governor’s race—the first since 2018—U.S. Senate, attorney general, secretary of state, and numerous legislative seats. As a swing state, Michigan’s outcomes are closely watched as a bellwether for national political trends. Both parties have poured millions of dollars into campaign operations across the state.
Voters should expect absentee ballot applications to be mailed in late September, with completed ballots due by the deadline set by the Michigan Secretary of State. Early voting locations and polling place information will be announced in the coming weeks.
What’s at stake
The Senate seat will help determine which party controls the 120th Congress, while the governor’s office will shape state policy on issues ranging from education to economic development. Both races feature candidates who stress family values, parental rights, and constitutional principles, reflecting the concerns of many Michigan voters.
As the campaign season intensifies, local communities will host town halls, rallies, and volunteer drives. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, verify candidate information, and participate in the upcoming absentee voting process.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
