It's been over a year since Kristen McDonald Rivet vacated her state Senate seat to take her new job in Washington DC as a member of Congress, representing Michigan's 8th Congressional District. Now, residents are beginning to receive mail-in ballots for the upcoming Feb. 3rd primary to fill the 35th Senate District.
Ten candidates across the Republican and Democratic parties will appear on ballots, all vying for a spot in the general election. Michigan's Libertarian Party will hold a convention on Jan. 17 in Midland to select their candidate.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the election this past August, with the general election taking place May 5. By the time of the general election, the district will have been without a state Senator for nearly 500 days. The 35th District includes the cities of Midland, Bay City and Saginaw and is how to over 260,000 people.
The Michigan Senate currently has a one-seat Democratic majority. The outcome of the special election could determine if the party retains that majority for the remainder of 2026, the final stretch of Whitmer's term.
Those not currently on the absentee ballot list can now request one through the Michigan Secretary of State or their county clerk's office. Clerks recommend absentee ballots to be returned at least 15 days before the election. Ballots requested after Jan. 18 will only be available in person. Only those living within the district will be eligible to vote in these elections.
For more information about voting in the state Senate special election, please head to our digital voter guide.
