Pamela Pugh is setting the stage for a major push in Michigan’s 35th Senate District, launching an aggressive advertising campaign ahead of the upcoming special election.
As absentee ballots begin to reach voters, Pugh, a seasoned public servant and leader, is hoping to secure the seat that has been vacant since January. The election, set for Feb. 3, 2026, will not only fill the vacant position but will also be a key contest in determining the balance of power in Michigan’s Senate.
Pugh, who has already made waves as a prominent advocate for public health, education, and working families, has launched a multi-platform ad campaign designed to reach voters across the district.
The 30-second “Champion” ads are being aired on radio and television stations throughout mid-Michigan, as well as across targeted digital and social media platforms. According to Pugh, this election offers voters a chance to make a real difference in the direction of the state.
“Even during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, voters have the opportunity to give the most important gift of all — their vote,” she said. “This election will help determine the direction of our state and who controls the Michigan Senate. I’m running to move Michigan forward and deliver real results for working families.”
Pugh’s campaign highlights her extensive experience and qualifications. As the President of the Michigan State Board of Education, Pugh has gained recognition for her work in education and public health. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University, as well as both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. She served for 14 years at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health and was appointed Chief Public Health Advisor during the Flint Water Crisis, a role that further cemented her reputation as a leader in public health advocacy.
Pugh’s platform focuses on issues that directly impact working families. She is committed to expanding access to healthcare and childcare, lowering utility costs, and protecting public infrastructure.
One of her primary goals is supporting MiCare, Michigan’s pathway to universal healthcare, as well as advocating for universal childcare to ease the burden on working parents. Additionally, Pugh is a staunch opponent of MAGA extremism, emphasizing the need for leaders who prioritize the well-being of all Michiganders over partisan politics.
The race for Michigan’s 35th Senate District has attracted a field of 10 candidates, including six Democrats and four Republicans. The seat was vacated by Kristen McDonald Rivet, who left to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called a special election for the seat in August, with the primary scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, and the general election to follow on May 5, 2026. The winner will serve out the remainder of the term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2026.
While Pugh is one of the front-runners in the race, she faces significant competition.
Other Democrats, including Chedrick Greene, a Marine Corps veteran and Saginaw fire captain, are vying for the same seat. Greene has earned endorsements from several local leaders, including McDonald Rivet, State Rep. Amos O’Neal, and Bay City Mayor Christopher Girard. Greene has also garnered support from labor unions, such as the AFL-CIO, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, and Laborers’ International Union of North America.
On the Republican side, candidates like Christian Velasquez are looking to make inroads in what is traditionally a Democratic-leaning district. Velasquez has already received endorsements from several former state senators and local leaders in Bay and Midland counties.
Pugh’s campaign has also received widespread backing from prominent organizations and local figures. She boasts endorsements from over 70 leaders across Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, including State Senator Sylvia Santana and State Rep. Emily Dievendorf.
Additionally, Pugh has earned the support of several local school board members, Saginaw City Council members, and Bay City Commissioners. Her campaign has also been endorsed by national groups like 314 Action, Climate Cabinet, the Michigan Democratic Party Progressive Caucus, and MI List, the Michigan affiliate of EMILY’s List.
One of the key issues for Pugh is building an economy that works for all families in the district. In addition to her focus on healthcare and childcare, Pugh is advocating for policies that will lower utility bills and protect publicly owned infrastructure. Her campaign emphasizes the need for investments in good-paying jobs across mid-Michigan, a region that has long faced economic challenges.
The political landscape for this special election is dynamic, with each candidate offering a different vision for Michigan’s future. Pugh, with her extensive public service experience and focus on pragmatic solutions, is positioning herself as the most qualified candidate to represent the 35th District in the Michigan Senate. As the campaign ramps up in the coming weeks, Pugh’s message of unity, progress, and action stands in stark contrast to the divisive politics of her opponents.
With absentee ballots already out the door, voters will soon have the chance to weigh in on who they believe is best suited to fill the vacant Senate seat. For Pugh, it’s an opportunity to build on her record of public service and lead the charge toward a better future for all Michiganders.
