Overview
- Former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced on Jan. 27 that he suspended his Democratic bid, citing no "viable path forward" under the early endorsement process.
- Totten said he will support the eventual Democratic nominee but declined to endorse Karen McDonald, Eli Savit, or William Noakes.
- Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has secured endorsements from the UAW and the Michigan Education Association, signaling early organizational strength.
- Democrats will seek an endorsement at a spring convention before delegates formally nominate the 2026 ticket at the party’s summer convention.
- On the Republican side, Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd and attorney Kevin Kijewski are running, and 2022 nominee Matt DePerno has expressed interest while facing criminal charges tied to alleged voting‑equipment tampering.