LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s 2026 elections are no ordinary political cycle – they’re a defining moment for the state’s future. With Governor Gretchen Whitmer term- limited, the Secretary of State and Attorney General positions open, two Michigan Supreme Court seats on the ballot, and every legislative and congressional seat up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Republicans, this is a rare chance to reshape Michigan’s political landscape into something more palatable – if they can seize it. For voters, it’s a referendum on the direction of the state.
The stakes are high and the ballot is packed.
The scope of the 2026 elections is staggering. All 110 state House seats, all 38 state Senate seats, and all 13 U.S. House seats will be contested, alongside critical statewide races. The governor’s office, overseeing over 49,000 state employees and shaping the budget, sets the tone for Michigan’s priorities. The Secretary of State, tasked with safeguarding election integrity, holds equal weight in ensuring public trust. Add in the Attorney General and a U.S. Senate seat held by Gary Peters, and the outcome will ripple far beyond Lansing.
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“The Enjoyer Podcast” host James Dickson says that the governor’s race and the election for a new Secretary of State are the most important races of them all. Dickson is an independent journalist based in Michigan. His work focuses on Michigan’s culture, political landscape, and societal challenges.Prior to his current endeavors, Dickson served as a reporter in Michigan for the New York Post during the 2024 election cycle. He has also contributed to various publications, including The Hill, U.S. News & World Report, and The Detroit News.
Warning: Michigan’s fight is just beginning.
In his podcast, Dickson underscores the urgency of this moment and says that 2026 is the “ultimate battle for Michigan.” In his podcast episode titled “We saved our country, now let’s save our state,” he declares, “Everything is up for grabs in Michigan in 2026, and no one should rest after Trump’s win.”
Dickson emphasizes the void left by Donald Trump’s absence from future ballots: “Republicans have one basic problem in 2026, in Michigan and everywhere else. Donald Trump is not walking through that door. After three presidential campaigns and two victories, Trump’s name will never appear on another ballot. Now the question is, can the movement win without the man? It remains to be seen, but past returns, honestly, aren’t promising. Fortunately in Michigan, we have plenty of motivation to fight, Trump or no Trump. Because nothing less than the future of our state is on the ballot in two years.”
GOP still stuck in the past while Dems are hitting the gas.
For the Michigan GOP, preparation appears to be lagging. The party’s website remains outdated, listing Vice President Kamala Harris as an opponent and former Chair Pete Hoekstra as current leader, with no press releases since November 4, 2024. And although the party seems to be active on X and Facebook, they haven’t sent out an email since MIGOP Chair Jim Runestad was elected.
Meanwhile, Michigan Democratic Chair Curtis Hertel has hit the ground running, sending at least six emails since his election to rally supporters and attack “MAGA extremists,” framing 2026 as a battle for democracy itself. The contrast in momentum is stark. Michigan News Source contacted Runestad regarding the communication issue but he did not return our request for comment as of press time.
The GOP’s unity push faces the clock.
Republicans face a tight window to unify and strategize. As of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, there are only 602 days until the Michigan midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, 2026. Grassroots engagement, clear messaging, effective fundraising and robust candidates are essential to compete.
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For both parties, 2026 is about more than winning – it’s about defining Michigan’s character for years to come. Voters will decide who controls the levers of power, from election oversight to budget priorities. As Dickson warns, this isn’t a time to rest on past victories or rely on hope. The future of the state hangs in the balance, and only a focused, engaged effort will determine who emerges victorious in this historic election cycle.
