Ten candidates have filed to run in the special election for the 35th Senate District. The seat has been open since former Senator and now Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned in January following her election to the U.S. House. If a Democratic candidate wins, the Michigan Senate would have a 20-18 majority. If the Republicans flip the seat, the chamber will have an even 19-19 split majority. Governor Whitmer called for a special primary election on February 3, 2026, and a special general election on May 5, 2026.
Available candidates’ information provided, and websites linked.
Democratic candidates:
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- Brandell Adams – Bridgeport Township Trustee, second chance Pell coordinator, and work study/student employment coordinator at Delta College.
- Martin Blank
- Chedrick Greene – U.S. Marine Veteran, fire captain, former district assistant for former Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet.
- William Morrone
- Pamela Pugh – President of the State Board of Education, appointed former chief health advisor in response to the Flint Water Crisis.
- Serenity Hope Salak
Republican candidates:
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- Jason Tunney – Attorney
- Chadwick Twillman – Executive director of a financial firm and VP of The Mountain Mover’s Firm.
- Christian Velasquez – Chief strategist of PointsNorth Group, LLC.
- Andrew Carlos Wendt
The deadline for candidates to file was September 30. They have until Friday, October 3, at 4 p.m. to withdraw.
The 35th Senate district includes portions of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties.
