2026 Special Election

Ten candidates are running in the upcoming February primary to fill the open state Senate seat to represent parts of Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties.

Only 13 communities within Midland County are within the 35th state Senate district.

Only 13 communities within Bay County are within the 35th state Senate district.

Only eight townships or cities within Saginaw County are within the 35th state Senate district.

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.

Michigan law requires early in-person polling locations to be available for statewide and federal elections, but not for local races. In the tri-county area, Saginaw is the only one who's going to offer this voting option for the 35th district state Senate special election in early 2026.

The Michigan Libertarian Party is looking to nominate their own candidate for an open state Senate seat.

After months of waiting, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is setting a timeline to fill Michigan’s vacant 35th state Senate District seat.