General Election Overview: United States Senate

Oct 22, 2026

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Leading up to the November 5 general election, we are highlighting races generally considered swing seats.

Commentary:

Democratic Senator Gary Peters opted not to run for reelection, leaving the seat open. It is one of the country’s most competitive races; campaign spending has already reached a record and continues to rise. Former Congressman Mike Rogers is once again running as the Republican candidate after narrowly losing a bid for the United States Senate in 2024. He’s facing former Democratic candidate for Michigan governor, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, whose career has focused on public health. Both parties are all-in on this race, which has garnered national attention. The Democratic Party is working to flip the Senate, and the Republicans are fighting to hold onto their majority; this race is key to which party will be successful.

Democratic Candidate:

    • Abdul El-Sayed – Physician, epidemiologist, former director of the City of Detroit Health Department and the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veteran Services, and served on President Biden’s Unity Task Force for Healthcare.

Republican Candidate: 

    • Mike Rogers – Former Congressman, Army Veteran, FBI Special Agent, and Michigan State Senator.

Libertarian Candidate:

    • Lydia Christensen – Business owner and worked in computer science and programming.

U.S. Taxpayers Candidate:

    • Tim Long

Green Candidate:

Natural Law Candidate:

    • Walter Kristy

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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