In 2026, 19% of the state legislative incumbents running for election in Michigan will face primary contests, a record low since 2010.
In total, 20 incumbents face contested primaries across the Michigan House and Senate. The average number of incumbents contested each midterm election cycle since 2010 was 28. Thirteen of the contested incumbents are Democrats, and seven are Republicans.
Democrats have a 20-18 majority in the Senate, and Republicans have a 58-52 majority in the House. Michigan has had a divided government since Republicans gained control of the House from Democrats in the 2024 elections.
Michigan has 92 contested state legislative primaries in 2026, the lowest of any midterm election year since 2010. Fifty-four primaries are for Democrats, and 38 are for Republicans.
In total, 456 major party candidates—242 Democrats and 214 Republicans—filed to run. All of the state’s 110 House seats and all 38 Senate seats are up for election. Forty-three of those seats are open, meaning no incumbents filed. The average number of open seats each midterm year from 2010 to 2024 was 67.
Michigan’s state legislative primaries are scheduled for Aug. 4.
