We need to see the names of Democrats running for election in all positions when we fill out a ballot. Running for office is tough and can be disappointing, but we won't have our voices heard in government unless our party members step up to run. We need candidates at every level of government.

The facts support that when we have candidates for all elected positions to support we grow the membership in our local party as we strive to elect more Democrats.

A member of the RCDP is taking part in a program called “Contest Every Race”. It is a training series to assist the RCDP in finding and supporting candidates for every election. We welcome your questions about running for office. Joining our party is a good way to start.

This section is a work in progress

Individuals who have announced their candidacy for Michigan offices (2026 election)

Candidates for US Senator

Democrats

  • Haley Stevens: U.S. Representative for Michigan's 11th Congressional District announced her campaign in April 2025. 

  • Mallory McMorrow: state senator from the 8th senate district in Michigan

Republicans

  • Mike Rogers: The former U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th Congressional District announced another bid for the Senate. 

Candidates for Congress in the 1st US Congressional District

Democrats

  • Callie Barr: an attorney from Traverse City who was the candidate for US Congress in the 2024 election.

Candidates for Governor

Democrats

  • Jocelyn Benson: The current Michigan Secretary of State announced her campaign in January 2025.

  • Garlin Gilchrist II: The current Lieutenant Governor is running to succeed Governor Whitmer.

  • Chris Swanson: The Genesee County Sheriff entered the race in February 2025.

  • Marni Sawicki: The former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida, is also a declared candidate. 

Republicans

  • John James: U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th Congressional District declared his candidacy in April 2025.

  • Aric Nesbitt: The Michigan Senate Minority Leader announced his bid in January 2025.

  • Tom Leonard: A former Speaker of the Michigan House, Leonard joined the race in June 2025.

  • Mike Cox: The former Michigan Attorney General entered the race in early 2025.

  • Anthony Hudson: A truck driver who previously ran for Congress, Hudson is also running. 

Independent

  • Mike Duggan: The current mayor of Detroit announced his run as an independent candidate in December 2024. 

Candidates for 36th District Michigan Senate

Candidates for 105th District Michigan House of Representatives

Candidates for Michigan’s Attorney General

Democrat

  • Mark Totten: The former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan was the first Democrat to announce his campaign in April 2025.

  • Karen McDonald: The Oakland County Prosecutor announced her campaign in June 2025. 

Republican

  • Kevin Kijewski: A Birmingham attorney, Kijewski announced his bid in April 2025.

  • Doug Lloyd: The Eaton County Prosecutor announced his candidacy in July 2025. 

Candidates for Michigan Secretary of State

Democrat

  • Barb Byrum: The Ingham County Clerk is seeking the Democratic nomination.

  • Aghogho Edevbie: The current Deputy Secretary of State announced his campaign in January 2025. 

Republican

  • Timothy Smith: Ballotpedia lists Smith as a Republican candidate. 

Space for pictures of future candidates

In 2026 there will be races for state wide offices in Michigan to include the Governor, Attorney General, and Sec of State. In addition, the seat of retiring US Senator Gary Peters will be open. It is not the policy of the RCDP to endorse these candidates at this time.

The party nominees for Attorney General and Secretary of State are determined at the state convention in the spring of 2026.

The button below is a link to the Michigan Sec of State, it provides information about becoming a candidate.