DETROIT ~ Michigan voters head to the polls today to choose nominees in open races for governor and U.S. Senate. The outcomes will shape two of the state’s most closely watched contests this fall and provide an early snapshot of voter sentiment in a key battleground. More than 1.2 million ballots had already been cast through early voting and absentee voting before Election Day.
PODCASTS:
July 28, 2026 ~ What was Haley Stevens’ message to Michigan voters in the final days before the primary? Ryan Ermanni’s extended in-studio interview covers the key moments from the last debate, her campaign priorities, and how she viewed the race heading into Election Day. PHOTO: Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK
July 22, 2026 ~ As Michigan’s Senate race entered its final stretch, Ryan Ermanni sat down for an extended one-hour conversation with candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Hear his perspective on healthcare, the economy, public policy, and the key issues he believed would resonate with voters heading into the primary election.
(CONTINUED) The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters has emerged as one of the nation’s most closely watched intraparty contests. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and former Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed are competing in a race that has highlighted divisions between the Democratic Party’s moderate and progressive wings. Late polling suggested El-Sayed entered Election Day with an advantage, and the winner will advance to face Republican Mike Rogers in November.
PODCASTS:
July 31, 2026 ~ As Michigan’s governor’s race entered its final days before the primary, Paul W. Smith sat down with Republican candidate John James for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, parental rights, education policy, and the issues driving his campaign. Hear James discuss his vision for Michigan, his closing message to voters, and why he believes his experience in business, the military, and Congress has prepared him to lead the state. PHOTO: Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK
July 28, 2026 ~ With Michigan voters preparing to choose their party’s nominee for governor, Kevin Deetz sat down with Republican candidate Perry Johnson for a conversation on affordability, government efficiency, education, energy costs, and the economic challenges facing the state. Hear Johnson outline his priorities, policy proposals, and vision for Michigan in the closing days of the primary campaign. PHOTO: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
(CONTINUED) Voters are also selecting nominees to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, creating Michigan’s first open gubernatorial race in eight years. Democrats are choosing between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, while Republicans are deciding between U.S. Rep. John James and businessman Perry Johnson. Polling throughout the campaign generally showed Benson leading the Democratic field, while James entered Election Day with an edge in the Republican contest.
Several congressional primaries also are drawing national attention, particularly in the Lansing-based 7th District and the open 10th District. Both parties view Michigan as a key state in the competition for control of the U.S. House, giving today’s results added significance beyond state borders.
Results are expected to begin coming into focus after polls close at 8 p.m. today, though the volume of absentee and early voting means some closely contested races could take longer to call. Michigan law allows anyone in line when polls close to cast a ballot.
