Michigan voters elected a new Governor and representatives for state and federal offices, and decided on two statewide ballot proposals Nov. 3rd. Significant changes in leadership will follow in Lansing and Washington, based on unofficial election results.

Democrats won the Governor's race, regained control of the Michigan House of Representatives, and retained their majority in the state Senate. Democrats also kept hold of the open U.S. Senate seat and gained ground in the state's Congressional delegation. Voters rejected a proposal to call a constitutional convention and approved new campaign finance restrictions for certain utilities, government contractors and political communications.

In January, the state government will return to unified Democratic control after two years in which Republicans held the House while Democrats controlled the Senate and Governor's office. In unofficial results, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson defeated U.S. Rep. John James – by approximately 54 percent to 44 percent – to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is finishing her final term. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) will become Lieutenant Governor. 

In the U.S. Senate race, former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed defeated former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers for the seat being vacated by Gary Peters. Unofficial returns showed El-Sayed leading by about 7 percent. He will become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.

Several Democratic seats were gained in Michigan’s U.S. House delegation. In the 4th Congressional District, state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) defeated Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga, by about 2 percent, according to unofficial returns. In the 10th District, Democrat Christina Hines defeated Republican Michael Bouchard Jr. for the open seat previously held by James. Democrat William Lawrence defeated Republican incumbent Tom Barrett in the 7th District. Depending on election certification results, the current Republican majority of seven Congressional seats to six seats held by Democrats could flip to nine Democratic seats in January and four held by Republicans.

The election will change control of the Michigan House, from a Republican 58-52 majority to a stunning 63-47 Democratic majority, according to unofficial results. Democrats retained their majority in the Senate, and are expected to increase their numbers by four seats. With all 38 Senate districts on the ballot, the unofficial results show a 23-15 Democrat majority.

Democrats also won the Attorney General, Secretary of State and Supreme Court races. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit defeated Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd for Attorney General. Savit will succeed Dana Nessel, who is leaving after serving the maximum two terms. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist defeated Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini in the race for Secretary of State. Gilchrist will succeed Benson, who has held the office since 2019. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood won 8-year terms. While Michigan judicial elections are nonpartisan, both justices were nominated by the Democratic Party. Their election continues the Court's composition of six Democratic-nominated justices and one Republican-nominated justice.

About 74 percent of voters rejected Proposal 1, which asked whether Michigan should call a constitutional convention to consider revisions to the state's Constitution. Some 81 percent of voters approved Proposal 2, which establishes new restrictions on certain political contributions involving regulated electric and gas utilities, entities with state contracts exceeding $250,000 annually, and persons or organizations with specific connections to those entities. The measure also expands disclosure requirements for some political communications. Opponents of Proposal 2 have begun challenges as to the legality of the proposal.

For full details, click here for the November 2026 Karoub Elections Report.

LEADERSHIP ELECTION UPDATE

On Nov. 5, members of the 104th Michigan Legislature, which begins in January 2027, met in Lansing and elected the leadership for all four legislative caucuses as follows: 

• Senator Darrin Camilleri (D - Brownstown Township) - Senate Majority Leader
• Senator Roger Hauck (R - Mt. Pleasant) - Senate Minority Leader
• Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D - Canton) - Speaker of the House
• Rep. Tom Kunse (R - Clare) House Minority Leader

The current 2025-2026 legislative session leadership will remain in their positions until Dec. 31, 2026.