MI-SD35: Three candidates running in Michigan Senate special election that could affect chamber control
Three candidates — Chedrick Greene (D), Jason Tunney (R), and Ali Sledz (L) — are running in the special general election for Michigan state Senate District 35 on May 5, 2026. The winner will serve the remainder of Kristen McDonald Rivet's (D) term ending in January 2027. Rivet resigned the seat on January 3, 2025, after being elected to the 8th Congressional District in 2024. Greene and Tunney lead in media attention ahead of the election.
The race could affect control of the Michigan Senate, where Democrats currently have a 19-18 majority. If Greene wins, Democrats would maintain control of the chamber. If Tunney wins, the chamber would tie 19-19, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II (D) casting tie-breaking votes.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) President Heather Williams said, "This election will set the tone for the midterms as we work to build state power across the country to safeguard against Trump’s abuses of power and his agenda that is raising costs. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the DLCC will be with Michigan Democrats every step of the way between now and November."
Republicans opposed the delay in scheduling the special election for the seat, which became vacant in January 2025. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) said, “It seems like Gov. [Gretchen] Whitmer is very intent on doing the most political thing, because it seems like they’re afraid they’re going to lose the seat to Republicans. It’s blatantly political, partisan politics that they’re playing.”
https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/03/17/three-candidates-running-in-michigan-senate-special-election-that-could-affect-chamber-control/