2026 is a big election year for the state of Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer will reach her term limit this year, meaning that the role of governor is up for election. Along with that, there is a Senate seat up for election, and the incumbent, Gary Peters, has decided not to run again. This election will help shape the future of Michigan

Currently, there are 14 individuals running for governor. According to the various early polls from the New York Times, the leaders of the race so far for the Democratic Party are Jocelyn Benson, Mike Duggan, an Independent, and for the Republican Party, Mike Cox. Here is a bit of information about the three leaders.

Jocelyn Benson (D):

Role: Former Dean of Wayne State University Law School, CEO, and Secretary of State

Education: Magdalen College, Wellesley College, and Harvard Law School

Benson is currently serving her second term as Michigan’s Secretary of State. According to Jocelyn Benson for Governor, Benson is running on a platform that is working towards affordable healthcare, housing for all, through various housing projects, lower electricity costs, quality education, and promoting jobs and economic growth. She is also working towards free day care. Benson is currently endorsed by 29 Michigan Senators and Representatives. Learn more about Benson at her website, jocelynbenson.com.

Mike Cox (R):

Role: Former Marine Corps Infantry Rifleman and Former Michigan Attorney General

Education: University of Michigan and University of Michigan Law School

Cox served as Michigan’s Attorney General from 2003 to 2011. He is now “FIGHTING TO MAKE MICHIGAN GREAT AGAIN,” as he is currently running for governor. As governor, Cox hopes to eliminate the tax on work, putting more money in Michiganders pockets from their paychecks instead of community projects, “‘DOGE’ the State Government”, meaning he is hoping to get rid of unnecessary personnel, “teach the ABCs, not DEI”, and support school of choice. To learn more, visit his website, mikecox2026.com.

Mike Duggan (I):

Role: Wayne County Prosecutor and Mayor of Detroit

Education: University of Michigan and University of Michigan Law School

Duggan has been the mayor of Detroit from 2014 to 2026. His motto for this campaign is “I’m not running to be the Democrats’ governor or the Republicans’ governor. I’m running to be your governor.” Duggan is trying to allow viewers to find a middle ground between the two parties. His primary focus is on helping education. Duggan has a plan to invest $4.5 billion into education without raising taxes, in hopes of increasing test scores, helping teachers, and providing students with the tools they need to move forward in their lives. He is also looking toward lowering housing costs. For more information, see his website, mikeduggan.com.

As for Peter’s open Senate seat, there are currently four front-runners. There was some speculation that, since Gretchen Whitmer’s time was up for governor, she would run for the Senate seat. However, she is not. As for the current leaders, for the democratic party, they are Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, and Haley Stevens, and for the republican party, the frontrunner is Mike Rogers.

Abdul El-Sayed (D)

Role: Physician, Director of the Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services for Wayne County

Education: Columbia University, Oriel College, and the University of Michigan

El-Sayed was the director of the Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services for Wayne County from 2023 to 2025. He holds a medical degree from Columbia University, and he argues for public health. His top focus for his campaign is creating an “economy and healthcare system that works for everyone”. He is also running on the platform of creating more affordable housing for all, and working towards clean air and water. Additionally, he is committed to making education more accessible. El-Sayed states he is also fighting for the rights of all Americans, regardless of their background or where they have come from. El-Sayed’s most notable endorsement has been from Bernie Sanders. For more information, check out his website, abdulforsenate.com.

Mallory McMorrow (D)

Role: Member of the Michigan Senate

Education: University of Notre Dame

McMorrow has served in the Michigan Senate since 2019. She has represented both Districts 8 and 13, and has become the State Senate Majority Whip. As for McMorrow’s campaign, she is hoping to bring down the cost of living, cut taxes for working families, strengthen child labor laws, protect the mental health of children, make health care more affordable, and many other things. On her website, mcmorrowformichigan.com, she has a list of many more impressive policies that she hopes to implement.

Haley Stevens (D)

Role: United States Representative

Education: American University

Stevens is currently serving as the representative for District 11 in the House of Representatives. This district includes Berkley, Huntington Woods, and Royal Oak. She has been serving in the House since 2019. Stevens is currently running for the senate seat available, and she hopes to increase public service funding, create safer communities, make health care more affordable, increase education opportunities, make housing more affordable, and more. To learn more about Stevens, please check out the feature on her from The Spectator. To do more research on her campaign and countless endorsements, visit her website haleyformi.com.

Mike Rogers (R)

Role: United States Representative and Member of the Michigan Senate

Education: Adrian College

Rogers served as the representative for Michigan’s 8th district from 2001 to 2015. Before that, he was a part of the Michigan Senate, and he also served in the Army. If elected, Rogers hopes to create manufacturing jobs for Michiganders, lowering the cost of gas, groceries, & prescription drugs, protect both social security and Medicare, and prioritize education. To learn more, check out his website, rogersforsenate.com.

While many Berkley students will not be 18 by the time election season arrives,