Candidates are beginning to declare runs for an open state Senate seat in an upcoming special election to represent the 35th district, which covers portions of Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties. U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) vacated the seat after the 2024 general election.
As of this publication, only five people have officially filed with the Secretary of State to run.
With the timeframe to declare quickly closing, the Michigan Libertarian Party says they are looking to put their own candidates into the pool. Interviews are set to take place this weekend, with the party holding a convention afterward to decide which candidate will be officially endorsed.
"I think it's important for voters to have as many choices to run, but certainly a viable third choice is essential when two parties control most of the narrative in this country," said Justin Miramonti, chairman of the Michigan Libertarian Party.
"An unconventional candidate may very well have an easier time breaking through in this cycle than a more conventional one," Miramonti continued. "The two parties are going to continue to go back and forth and the public is getting increasingly disinterested with these options."
According to Miramonti, their candidate will advocate for non-aggression, minimal government, and maximum freedom-tenets of the Libertarian Party.
"Ultimately, whether you're talking about the Bill of Rights or more broad libertarian principles, you're talking about where the most freedom should lie. And so the freedom lies at the level of the individual and not the group dynamic for a variety of reasons," Miramonti explained.
Candidates for the special election can file through September 30th at 4 p.m. A candidate associated with the Libertarian Party has never been elected to the state Senate in Michigan.
More information on the Libertarian Party of Michigan can be found at their website.
