The world will be watching when Michigan voters cast their ballots Tuesday because of the Democratic primary for the state’s opening U.S. Senate seat.
Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.
The Secretary of State reports over 1.2 million Michigan voters have already cast their ballots through mail-in absentee votes or by voting early in person.
Here’s what’s happening:
The U.S. Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens has captured the attention of Democrats across the country because it’s a test of establishment Democrats versus progressive insurgents.
A similar dynamic can be found in Detroit’s 13th Congressional District, where members of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have been knocking doors and passing out literature in the days leading up to the election to defeat a former member of the group.
Donavan McKinney, a state lawmaker from Detroit, is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, who is looking to win another term after successful elections since 2022. Detroit’s Black political establishment is backing McKinney, and so is the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Thanedar, once a dues paying member of DSA, a leftist group that has been canvassing for progressive Democrats, was shamed by members after promoting his visit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A DSA candidate in 2025, Denzel McCampbell, defeated former state Rep. Karen Whitsett for the west side council seat. McCampbell joined Detroit Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero as Detroit’s second council member with ties to the organization.
Several local races mirror the dynamics playing out at the top of the ticket, where progressive newcomers face incumbents and former legislators.
Meanwhile, the Republican primary between U.S. Rep. John James and businessman Perry Johnson is considered to be close after Livonia attorney Mike Cox dropped out of the race.
Michigan’s Democratic candidates, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are thought to be further apart, according to polls.
Candidates to watch in local races:
13th Congressional District: Donavan Mckinney, Shri Thanedar
State Senate District 1: Abraham Aiyash, Justin Onwenu
State Senate District 3: Adam Hollier, Eboni Taylor, Korey Hall, John Conyers III, LaTanya Garrett, Toinu Reeves, Kimberly Hill Knott, Gary Hunter.
House District 9: Arthur Harrington, Willie Burton, Anthony Eid, Bryant Hepp.
House District 8: Helena Scott, Deanne Austin, Chris Gilmer-Hill.
House District 11: Kimberly Fisher, Michael Howard, Cranstana Anderson.
The Michigan Chronicle will update this page throughout Election Day with on the ground reporting from Senior Reporter Sam Robinson.
