Your Guide To The 2026 Michigan Primary: Dates, Races And How To Vote

Michigan voters head to the polls Aug. 4 for the state's primary election, with some of the biggest statewide races in years on the ballot.

Here's what you need to know.

The primary is Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. The general election follows on Nov. 3, 2026.

Here's how to vote:

By mail: Request a ballot at Michigan.gov/vote. Mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any registered voter can choose to vote by mail or drop box without needing an excuse. Absentee ballots started going out on Wednesday.

Early in-person: Each Michigan community must offer at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting, starting on the second Saturday before the election (which, for this year’s primary, is July 25). You can check when and where that will be for your city or township at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

On Election Day: Polls are open until 8 p.m. Find your polling place at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.

You don't need to be registered with a party to vote. On primary day, you simply choose which party's ballot you want. You can only vote in one party's primary.

What's on my ballot?

Governor

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again after serving two terms.

On the Republican side, candidates include Rep. John James, former Michigan attorney general Mike Cox and Oakland County businessman Perry Johnson.

For the Democrats, candidates include Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was running as an independent but dropped out of the race.

U.S. Senate

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters chose not to seek reelection in 2026. He was first elected in 2014.

For the Democrats, former executive director of the Detroit Health Department Abdul El-Sayed, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow are running for the seat.

On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is running unopposed for the seat. He lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the state's 2024 U.S. Senate race by just 19,000 votes.

U.S. House

All 13 of Michigan's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election. Districts 10 and 11 are expected to be among the most competitive seats.

State Legislature

All 110 seats in the State House and all 38 seats in the State Senate are up for election. Democrats hold a narrow 20-18 lead in the Senate, while Republicans hold a narrow 58-52 lead in the House.

Local races

Depending on where you live, you may also see county races, school board seats and hospital district elections on your ballot.

For more information, visit the Michigan Department of State page where you can sort local elections by counties.