Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief

Michigan Advance

April 17, 2026

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) on Wednesday received the endorsement of the Utility Workers Union of America in her bid for the Democratic nomination to run for U.S. Senate.

Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, representing more than 1,600 members across Southeast Michigan, announced its endorsement Tuesday of U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) in her bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

State Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford) has endorsed former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) as he seeks the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.

Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) has endorsed Bridget Brink as she seeks the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Brink was also endorsed by East Lansing City Councilmember Mark Meadows, who formerly served as a state representative and mayor of East Lansing.

State Sens. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), and State Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) endorsed Jocelyn Benson in her campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, as did former Gov. James Blanchard. Benson was also endorsed on Thursday by the Committee to Protect Health Care.

Emgage Action, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Muslim American communities, announced Tuesday it is endorsing Mike Duggan in his independent campaign for Michigan governor. Duggan was also endorsed by the Romulus Police Association.

Lisa McIntyre, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 22nd House District, was endorsed Tuesday by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

The Next 50, which supports next-generation Democrats under 50, has endorsed Anna Aho Rink for Michigan’s 109th House District seat.

Diop Harris, a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, announced Monday that he had submitted the required signatures to the Michigan Board of Elections to secure a place on the August primary ballot.

On Tuesday, state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) also filed his campaign’s petition signatures with the board as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District.

Bridget Brink turned in the maximum of 2,000 petition signatures on Thursday to qualify for the August primary ballot for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District,

On Wednesday, former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) formally submitted petition signatures to qualify for the August primary ballot as he seeks the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Nicholas “Nick” Rowe, a retired Air Force combat pilot, announced his candidacy Tuesday for Michigan’s 42nd House District, which is currently represented by Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township).

Milan City Councilmember Shannon Dare Wayne on Wednesday announced her candidacy for Michigan’s 31st House District, as well as the endorsement of current Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township), who currently holds the seat. Miller announced earlier this month that she would not seek reelection.

The Michigan Advance, a hard-hitting, nonprofit news site, covers politics and policy across the state of Michigan through in-depth stories, blog posts, and social media updates, as well as top-notch progressive commentary. The Advance is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.