The upcoming special election in the state Senate could shift the balance of power in the chamber, as Democrats currently hold only a one-seat majority. Voters in the 35th district, which represents parts of Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties, will cast ballots in early 2026, with primary elections on Feb. 3 and a general election on May 5. The seat has been vacant since January 2025.
Ten candidates, all Republicans or Democrats, have declared their candidacy. Below, you can find out more about each of the candidates and the issues at the front of their campaigns.
For more information on voting in this race, please see our special election voter guide.
Republican Candidates
Jason Tunney, Saginaw
Jason Tunney is a lawyer from Saginaw, having recently joined his family's law firm Tunney Law after spending time as general counsel and executive vice-president of the national roofing company Duro-Last.
Tunney says he's focused on issues such as restoring worker freedom by encouraging Michigan's return to being a "right to work" state, reducing the state income tax, mandating government transparency and more.
"I'd like Michigan to start phasing down the state income tax. Let's try and go from four and a quarter down to four," Tunney told WCMU. "Let's see if we can get that state income tax under four so that we can be more competitive with a state like Indiana. People are moving to Ohio. People are moving to Indiana. They're not moving to Michigan."
Chadwick Twillman, Saginaw
A businessman from Saginaw, Chadwick Twillman is both executive director of a financial firm and vice president of the Mountain Mover's Firm.
A "truth-telling, family-raising, mid-Michigan Dad," Twillman's campaign website says he's "running to give us back our voice, fund our schools, fix our roads, reform our courts and free our bridges".
Twillman is focusing his campaign on the improvement of Michigan's public education system, fixing state roads, reducing youth incarceration and court accountability.
“The 35th District deserves a senator who fights for jobs, infrastructure, and families. Not partisan gridlock," Twillman said on his Facebook campaign page.
Christian Velasquez, Midland
Chris Velasquez is the chief strategist of PointsNorth Group, LLC, and was formerly the chairman and president of the Dow Corning Foundation.
His campaign webpage says his work "bridges business innovation, STEM education, and public policy, reflecting a deep commitment to economic growth and strengthening communities across Michigan."
Some issues raised by Velasquez include more support for small businesses, parent-led education, and reliable energy sources.
"My campaign isn't about making noise. It's about listening, learning and working hard to represent you with integrity," Velasquez said in a letter on his Facebook page. "I am energized by conversations with people throughout our district. The momentum we're building is inspiring. And it's just the beginning."
Andrew Wendt, Saginaw
Andrew Wendt is a former Saginaw councilman, teacher and ethnic vice chair for the Michigan Republican Party.
"Our system is broken at the federal and state level. And unfortunately, I've seen the good, bad and the ugly," Wendt told WCMU. "I really want to see what I can do to make a difference."
Wendt's campaign is focused on helping expand dual enrollment in high schools to trade schools, healthcare, diminishing crime and bringing employment back to the region.
"We need to see what we can do to give grants to townships and cities in the state of Michigan to revitalize property, Wendt told WCMU. "Because if the industrial revolution that President Trump is saying that it's going to happen, we need to be ready for it because we have hard workers."
Democrat Candidates
Brandell Adams, Saginaw
Brandell Adams is chair of the Saginaw County Democratic Party after spending time as a general manager of Little Caesars. Adams is also a Bridgeport Township Trustee.
"At a time when Washington feels chaotic, disconnected, and leaving states to shoulder the full burden without the necessary resources or partnerships, we need a state Senator who understands what it means to struggle with housing costs, low-wage jobs, and an economy that keeps leaving our families behind," Adam said in a press release announcing his candidacy.
Adams is campaigning on enhancing public safety, ensuring access to high-quality public education and expanding healthcare access.
“It’s time to send a fighter to Lansing – someone who won’t settle for business as usual, but will deliver real results for working families and build a future our children can thrive in," Adams said.
Martin Blank, Saginaw
Dr. Martin Blank ran for the 35th district seat as a Republican in 2022, and has since left the party and is now running as a Democrat, quoting Trump and the MAGA movement as his reasons for making the switch.
"I was a Republican most of my life. I ran for office as a Republican. I tried to bring reason and objectivity to the party, but there was zero interest. There was zero interest in anything except Donald Trump," Blank said in his campaign announcement video.
Blank's campaign is focusing on helping cut inflation, protecting families and farmers.
"The only thing that will stop Donald Trump and MAGA is for us to stand together and vote Democrats into office at all levels of government and stand up for freedom," Blank said in a Facebook video. "I will stand up for freedom," he said.
Chedrick Greene, Saginaw
Chedrick Greene has served the city of Saginaw for over 25 years as a fire captain and community relations liaison. He also worked under U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, as district assistant when she held the 35th district state Senate seat. Greene is also a decorated veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 30 years.
Greene is focused on raising employment, building safer communities and protecting individual freedoms.
“It is long past time to admit the status quo is not working for working-class families," Greene said at his campaign kickoff in Saginaw. "It’s keeping too many good people down… down in our cities, down in our suburbs, down in our rural areas. It is long past time to unstack the deck, so that everyone who works hard has a fair shot to make a good life for themselves and their families.”
William Morrone, Bay City
Dr. William Morrone is the medical examiner for Arenac, Bay, Iosco, Midland and Tuscola counties. He has also served as a medical media expert on national television, speaking on high-profile cases across the nation.
Morrone's campaign is focused on the housing crisis, fixing the healthcare system and Michigan's crumbling roads.
"Dr. Morrone has seen firsthand how Michigan’s broken systems, from health care to housing to infrastructure, hold people back," Morrone's campaign website writes. "Dr. Morrone brings a career of practical, community-based leadership to Lansing; focused on lowering costs, improving care, and expanding opportunity for every Michigander."
Pamela Pugh, Saginaw
Pamela Pugh is president of Michigan's State Board of Education. Pugh also co-founded the economic sustainability consultancy Regeneration LLC, and was chief public health advisor in Flint for three years.
Pugh's campaign is focused on economic security, climate change, education and women's healthcare.
"I've brought science and service to the frontlines of our biggest challenges," Pugh said in her campaign announcement video. "I've stood up for our communities, and I've stood up to any one and any policy that has written us off. And I haven't backed down."
Serenity Salak, Saginaw
Serenity Salak is a former Department of Health and Human Services caseworker from Saginaw Township who currently works as a substitute teacher in Saginaw Public Schools.
Salak wants to focus on helping schools and families and hopes to help bridge the divide between the political parties by finding common ground.
"It's okay to talk to other people on the other side of the spectrum, because more often than not the answer lies in the middle," Salak told WCMU. "We have so much to learn from each other and I don't understand how adding to that contention anymore would benefit the American people or the people of Senate District 35."
