News Summary

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has scheduled a special primary election for Michigan’s 35th Senate District on February 3, 2026, following a prolonged vacancy. The decision comes nearly eight months after the resignation of former Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet. This election marks a significant delay in Michigan’s history, raising concerns about governance and adequate representation. With various candidates beginning to declare, both parties brace for a competitive political landscape as the community seeks to address pressing issues.

Governor Whitmer Calls Special Election for Michigan’s 35th Senate District After Prolonged Vacancy

Bay City, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the scheduling of a special primary election for Michigan’s 35th Senate District, set to take place on February 3, 2026, followed by a general election on May 5, 2026. This decision comes nearly eight months after the district’s former State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned her seat to join the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2025.

The 35th Senate District represents approximately 270,000 residents across the Tri-Cities, which include Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw. The lengthy gap in representation has drawn criticism from both political parties, highlighting concerns regarding governance and the needs of the community.

This announcement marks the longest delay in calling a special election in Michigan since the 1960s, reflecting an exceptional situation in the state’s electoral history. Following the vacancy, a lawsuit was filed against Governor Whitmer demanding action on the matter. In response, her legal team argued that Michigan law does not impose a specific timeline for calling a special election.

Republicans and some Democrats have voiced their discontent regarding the delay, emphasizing the importance of adequate representation for the district. Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt pointed out that constituents have been without representation for over 400 days—a substantial period during which pressing issues and concerns have remained unaddressed.

Amidst this political backdrop, Governor Whitmer’s plan includes collaborating with the incoming senator on crucial state issues such as job creation, economic development, investment in education, and infrastructure enhancement. The appointment of the new senator is poised to impact broader legislative efforts within the Michigan Senate.

The political stakes surrounding the upcoming elections are significant. For Republicans, winning the 35th Senate seat is a critical goal that could create a tie in the Michigan Senate with 19 GOP and 19 Democratic seats, thereby providing them with the capacity to obstruct certain Democratic policies and initiatives. Meanwhile, Democrats remain optimistic about their chances of retaining the seat, which is essential for maintaining their majority in the state Senate.

Looking ahead to 2026, all 38 Senate seats in Michigan will be contested during elections that year, following redistricting completed by an independent commission. This special election will occur alongside the regular election cycle, requiring voters in the 35th District to participate in four elections throughout the year: the special primary, the special general, the statewide primary in August, and the general election in November.

The organizational demands placed on local clerks in the district are expected to be considerable, given the multiple elections on the calendar. This challenges will include managing voter registration and ensuring smooth electoral processes amidst a busy election year.

As the political landscape shifts, candidates have started to declare their intentions to run for the Senate seat. Notable Democratic candidates include Pamela Pugh and Brandell Adams. On the Republican side, State Rep. Bill G. Schuette is emerging as a potential candidate. With the political environment intensely competitive, both parties are gearing up for a challenging election campaign leading up to these pivotal dates.

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