Overview
- Tuesday’s primary has Democrats choosing between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
- Republican voters are deciding between U.S. Rep. John James and businessman Perry Johnson in a contest boosted by President Trump’s endorsement of James and early polling that shows James leading.
- John James’s gubernatorial bid has left Michigan’s 10th Congressional District open, with six candidates—three Democrats and three Republicans—on the August ballot to succeed him.
- Campaign controversies are part of voters’ calculus: Benson faces a workplace discrimination lawsuit and a prior Attorney General finding about a campaign event, while Johnson has a history of disqualification over invalid petition signatures.
- Federal monitors are observing polls and more than 1.2 million Michiganders had cast ballots before Election Day, signaling heightened turnout that could affect competitive November races for governor, U.S. Senate, and several House seats.