Last Saturday, the Michigan Democratic and Republican parties elected their new leadership. The new leaders will hold critical roles as the state enters 2026, which is a big election year in Michigan. Next year, in addition to all 38 Senate seats and 110 House seats being up for election, the offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are all up for election and without incumbents.
Michigan Democratic Party:
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- The party elected former Senator Curtis Hertel to serve as chair.
- In 2022, he served as campaign chair for the Michigan Democratic Fund, which led the caucus to gain the majority in the Senate for the first time in 40 years.
- He served two terms in the Michigan Senate and worked in the executive office of Governor Whitmer.
Michigan Republican Party:
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- Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) was elected chair.
- He’s currently serving his second term in the Michigan Senate and will continue his term while serving as party chair.
- Prior to his election to the Senate, he served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.
- Senator Runestad served three terms as an Oakland County Commissioner prior to his election in the legislature.
- Previously he was an educator and owner/operator of his own insurance company.
