The 35th District Special Election Hub
Everything you need to know about the race to fill an open state Senate seat in the Saginaw Bay Region
Matt Ozanich
/
WCMU
This guide will help you navigate the election, from the Feb. 3, 2026 primary to the general election on May 5, for a new state Senator in the Saginaw Bay region.
Find your local clerk in Bay County for the state Senate special election
There are 13 communities within Bay County are within the 35th state Senate district.
Find your local clerk in Saginaw County for the state Senate special election
There are eight townships or cities included in Saginaw County within the 35th state Senate district.
Find your local clerk in Midland County for the state Senate special election
There are seven townships or cities within Midland County that are within the 35th state Senate district.
Latest News on the special election
Need to get caught up? Here's some background reading on the special election
Governor's attorneys argue court can't force her to call special election
The state senate seat representing more than a quarter million Michiganders has been empty since January. Governor Whitmer has said she plans to call a special election, but to date she hasn't.
Judge gives Whitmer 10 days to respond to lawsuit seeking special election in vacant Senate district
A lawsuit has been filed to pressure Governor Gretchen Whitmer to call a special election for an open state Senate seat.
Nessel says Whitmer should call special election to fill Tri-Cities' open seat in Lansing
The 35th state Senate district has been vacant since the beginning of the year. A special election could shift the balance of power in the chamber, with Democrats only holding a one-seat majority.
Whitmer confirms 35th district special election will happen
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told WCMU recently that there will be a special election to fill the open 35th District State Senate Seat, which includes representation for Midland, Bay City and Saginaw.