2026 Michigan Voter Guide

A former Michigan chapter leader of Moms Demand Action, U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet knows the importance of keeping Michigan families safe and improving child care and education. Rivet helped flip the Michigan state Senate in 2022 in a very tight race and quickly passed a bill requiring safe storage of firearms around children. And in Congress, she has been working to disarm domestic abusers and stop the federal concealed carry mandate. Keeping dedicated public servants like Kristen McDonald Rivet in the U.S. House will be critical to making progress on common-sense gun safety laws.

Christina is a mom on a mission to flip this open seat in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District — one of the most competitive races in the country. A career prosecutor and mother of three, Christina Hines has spent her career fighting for public safety, protecting women and children, and prosecuting dangerous criminals. As a member of Congress, she’ll continue to prioritize the public safety of Michiganders, take on the gun lobby, fight for secure storage of firearms, and disarm domestic abusers.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has an extensive background in law, working for the Southern Poverty Law Center, as a clerk for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and as a teacher and dean at Wayne State University Law School. As Secretary of State, she has expanded voting access and security, overseeing two of the highest-turnout elections in Michigan’s history. In 2022, she was awarded the JFK Profile in Courage Award for her efforts defending democracy, and she fought to ban open-carry firearms near polling places. Benson and state Senator Winnie Brinks are committed to protecting our communities and keeping our families safe.

Prosecuting Attorney Eli Savit will bring smart, evidence-based gun violence prevention measures to the office of Attorney General. As a civil-rights litigator, he worked on cases to protect voting rights, reproductive freedoms, and the right to education. Savit clerked for Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg and worked as senior legal counsel to the Detroit mayor’s office, where he participated in lawsuits against the opioid industry, on behalf of Detroit children’s right to literacy, and in negotiations to construct the Gordie Howe International Bridge. He supports common-sense gun violence prevention measures, advocating to enforce Red Flag laws, universal background checks, safe storage mandates, and cracking down on ghost guns.

Matt Koleszar enters the race for state Senate District 05 with a strong record of supporting gun violence prevention policies across four terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. Koleszar served as assistant Democratic leader during his first term in the state House, and Democratic whip during his second term. He chaired the Education Committee and has served on House committees for health, education, elections, labor, and school aid. A former educator, he sponsored HB 4752, which enables retired teachers to return to work to mitigate teacher shortages in Michigan, and was the primary sponsor of Public Act 127 of 2021, which ensures the children of fallen police officers and firefighters have access to tuition-free college education.

Reaffirming her commitment to a government that shows up for people, state Representative Natalie Price is running for SD-10 because she understands that real change happens when people organize, speak up, and take bold action in the face of injustice. Price supports passing comprehensive gun safety legislation, including waiting periods, high-capacity magazine and bump stock bans, age-21 purchase requirements, and a complete ban on ghost guns; ending firearm manufacturer and retailer immunity to hold the gun industry accountable; and funding community violence intervention programs to break cycles of gun violence. Michigan deserves leaders like Natalie Price in the state Senate who will fight to build and protect trust in their communities.

Voters in Senate District 14 have the chance to return a gun safety champion to Lansing by re-electing Sue Shink in the upcoming election. Her incredible work as a public servant includes serving two terms on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and remaining active in dozens of groups serving her community, including the Huron Watershed Council, the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee, the Washtenaw County Food Policy Council, and the Washtenaw County Parks and Rec Commission. She currently chairs the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Appropriations Corrections and Judiciary Subcommittee. Her support of gun violence prevention policies includes acting as lead sponsor of SB 528, which fought to disarm domestic abusers.

Guns are tied for the leading cause of death of children and teens in the state of Michigan, and public health champion Julie Rogers is prepared to tackle this crisis. In 2023, Rogers joined her fellow Democrats in the Michigan House to pass a foundational background check law, which cleared the House by 3 votes. Rogers is a practicing physical therapist who has served on the National Association of Counties Health Steering Committee for seven years. She has prioritized community safety and violence intervention policies during her time in the Michigan House, including securing funding in the state budget to improve law enforcement responses to mental health crisis calls, and will bring that same commitment to the Michigan Senate once elected.

Focusing on practical solutions that reflect the diverse needs of the people who call District 24 home, Edlira Sako’s background as a teacher, public servant, and mother gives her a personal understanding of the challenges working families face. She will work to lower costs, strengthen communities, and ensure government works for the people, not special interests — because no one should have to choose between paying their bills and buying groceries. Sako will continue to step up to keep our communities safe.

State Senator Chedrick Greene has dedicated his life to serving his community through volunteer work, as a firefighter, and as a Marine veteran. He was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired from a 30-year career as a Sergeant Major E-9, the highest possible rank for enlisted officers. As a firefighter, he served as Saginaw Fire Department captain and community relations liaison and started a fire cadet academy for minority youth. In 2023, Governor Whitmer appointed him to a two-year term on the Statewide Housing Partnership under the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Greene recently won the May 2026 special election for District 35, carrying 60% of the vote. State Senator Greene understands that instituting common-sense gun laws is a key component to protecting children from gun violence.

Keeping neighborhoods safe, protecting children, and promoting responsible gun safety solutions are priorities Melanie Macey takes seriously. As a public interest attorney, community leader, and mother of three, her life and career have been dedicated to service. In her work as a member of the Royal Oak City Commission, she has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to tackle difficult challenges, consistently working to bring people together and turn good ideas into meaningful results.

Foundational common-sense gun legislation has been blocked in the Michigan legislature for the last two years, and Laurie Pohutsky is prepared to help get it over the finish line. Pohutsky is a gun sense champion and was a 2023 cosponsor of the historic and life-saving secure storage and Red Flag laws. Pohutsky is currently in her fourth term in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she serves on the Oversight Committee and as Chair of the Progressive Women’s Coalition. Re-electing this gun safety champion is critical to keeping our families and communities safe.

Kelly Breen is one of the Michigan representatives responsible for authoring the historic gun safety legislation that was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is also one of nine total Moms Demand Action volunteers elected to the Michigan legislature in 2022. A mother, lawyer, political activist, and former Novi City Council member, Breen is a devoted public servant intent on addressing the needs of her constituency. She is chair of the House Judiciary Committee, a member of the School Safety Task Force, and supports expanding access to healthcare for all Michiganders.

Ranjeev Puri’s entry into public service came on the heels of a tragedy, after a gunman killed 6 members of the Sikh temple where his family had worshipped. He and his wife helped start a local group of Moms Demand Action in Michigan, and in 2020 Puri ran for and won his election to the Michigan House of Representatives. He was reelected in 2022, becoming one of nine Moms Demand Action volunteers elected in the state of Michigan that year. He is currently the House minority leader. Gun violence prevention legislation is a top issue for Puri; after the Oxford High School and Michigan State University shootings in 2023, he strongly advocated for universal background checks, safe storage mandates, and Red Flag laws. Re-electing Ranjeev Puri ensures that Michigan continues to have a real leader committed to gun safety.

Brenda Carter has a long history of public service in Michigan. She helped organize the Million Woman March, spent eight years on the Pontiac District School Board of Education, and during her four terms in the Michigan House of Representatives created five task forces focused on education, veterans’ services, minority maternal healthcare, poverty and homelessness, and criminal justice reform. Carter’s life has been directly affected by gun violence—her nephew was shot and killed in 2007, and her son was shot and left disabled in 2017. In 2026, she cosponsored the Gun Seller Liability Act, requiring gun dealers to carry liability insurance and holding them civilly liable for selling to buyers legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Re-electing Brenda Carter ensures Michigan continues to strengthen its gun violence prevention policies.

Sarah Pounds is a working mom, housing advocate, and lifelong resident of Oakland County. She has 20 years of paralegal experience, specializing in construction law. She has served on the board of the Oakland County Housing Trust Fund and the Oakland County Community Development Citizens Advisory Board, and is a co-founder of YIMBY Oakland County, an advocacy group for expanding affordable housing. As a community activist, her focus has been on connecting the citizens of Oakland County with their representatives to effect greater change. As a graduate of the joint training between Everytown’s Demand a Seat program and Gov. Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC, Pounds is ready to flip this seat and fight for common-sense gun safety in the Michigan House.

Alex Hawkins is a community leader, Army veteran, reserve sheriff’s deputy, and a graduate of the joint training between Everytown’s Demand a Seat program and Gov. Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC. He served in the ROTC as an explosive ordnance disposal technician platoon leader. Earlier in his career, he worked as a correctional officer with the Waterford PD. After his active duty ended, he interned for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin as a participant in the Green and Gold Congressional Aide program, which provides veterans employment opportunities with the U.S. House of Representatives. Hawkins believes strong communities begin with a robust education system, affordability, violence prevention, and government accountability. By electing Alex Hawkins, Michiganders can flip District 55 back in favor of gun safety.

Michigan’s 86th District has remained red for more than 30 years, but if voters elect Joseph McClusky the district would flip in favor of gun safety. He has served as regional political director for the Michigan House Democratic Fund and if elected this fall, he will become the first openly gay man to represent Michigan District 86. McClusky has a strong commitment to gun safety and is a graduate of the joint training between Everytown’s Demand a Seat program and Gov. Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC.

A mother, grandmother, and special education teacher in Midland County, AnnMarie Horseman is running because she is tired of waiting for others to step up and fix the issues impacting her community. Horseman became a precinct delegate in 2018 and learned firsthand the issues that matter to her community: rising healthcare costs, skyrocketing grocery bills, and utility rates that keep going up. Horseman will fight for a safe and healthy Michigan, and she is ready to be the leader that the 95th District deserves.

A former Michigan chapter leader of Moms Demand Action, U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet knows the importance of keeping Michigan families safe and improving child care and education. Rivet helped flip the Michigan state Senate in 2022 in a very tight race and quickly passed a bill requiring safe storage of firearms around children. And in Congress, she has been working to disarm domestic abusers and stop the federal concealed carry mandate. Keeping dedicated public servants like Kristen McDonald Rivet in the U.S. House will be critical to making progress on common-sense gun safety laws.

Christina is a mom on a mission to flip this open seat in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District — one of the most competitive races in the country. A career prosecutor and mother of three, Christina Hines has spent her career fighting for public safety, protecting women and children, and prosecuting dangerous criminals. As a member of Congress, she’ll continue to prioritize the public safety of Michiganders, take on the gun lobby, fight for secure storage of firearms, and disarm domestic abusers.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has an extensive background in law, working for the Southern Poverty Law Center, as a clerk for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and as a teacher and dean at Wayne State University Law School. As Secretary of State, she has expanded voting access and security, overseeing two of the highest-turnout elections in Michigan’s history. In 2022, she was awarded the JFK Profile in Courage Award for her efforts defending democracy, and she fought to ban open-carry firearms near polling places. Benson and state Senator Winnie Brinks are committed to protecting our communities and keeping our families safe.

Prosecuting Attorney Eli Savit will bring smart, evidence-based gun violence prevention measures to the office of Attorney General. As a civil-rights litigator, he worked on cases to protect voting rights, reproductive freedoms, and the right to education. Savit clerked for Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg and worked as senior legal counsel to the Detroit mayor’s office, where he participated in lawsuits against the opioid industry, on behalf of Detroit children’s right to literacy, and in negotiations to construct the Gordie Howe International Bridge. He supports common-sense gun violence prevention measures, advocating to enforce Red Flag laws, universal background checks, safe storage mandates, and cracking down on ghost guns.

Matt Koleszar enters the race for state Senate District 05 with a strong record of supporting gun violence prevention policies across four terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. Koleszar served as assistant Democratic leader during his first term in the state House, and Democratic whip during his second term. He chaired the Education Committee and has served on House committees for health, education, elections, labor, and school aid. A former educator, he sponsored HB 4752, which enables retired teachers to return to work to mitigate teacher shortages in Michigan, and was the primary sponsor of Public Act 127 of 2021, which ensures the children of fallen police officers and firefighters have access to tuition-free college education.

Reaffirming her commitment to a government that shows up for people, state Representative Natalie Price is running for SD-10 because she understands that real change happens when people organize, speak up, and take bold action in the face of injustice. Price supports passing comprehensive gun safety legislation, including waiting periods, high-capacity magazine and bump stock bans, age-21 purchase requirements, and a complete ban on ghost guns; ending firearm manufacturer and retailer immunity to hold the gun industry accountable; and funding community violence intervention programs to break cycles of gun violence. Michigan deserves leaders like Natalie Price in the state Senate who will fight to build and protect trust in their communities.

Voters in Senate District 14 have the chance to return a gun safety champion to Lansing by re-electing Sue Shink in the upcoming election. Her incredible work as a public servant includes serving two terms on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and remaining active in dozens of groups serving her community, including the Huron Watershed Council, the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee, the Washtenaw County Food Policy Council, and the Washtenaw County Parks and Rec Commission. She currently chairs the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Appropriations Corrections and Judiciary Subcommittee. Her support of gun violence prevention policies includes acting as lead sponsor of SB 528, which fought to disarm domestic abusers.

Guns are tied for the leading cause of death of children and teens in the state of Michigan, and public health champion Julie Rogers is prepared to tackle this crisis. In 2023, Rogers joined her fellow Democrats in the Michigan House to pass a foundational background check law, which cleared the House by 3 votes. Rogers is a practicing physical therapist who has served on the National Association of Counties Health Steering Committee for seven years. She has prioritized community safety and violence intervention policies during her time in the Michigan House, including securing funding in the state budget to improve law enforcement responses to mental health crisis calls, and will bring that same commitment to the Michigan Senate once elected.

Focusing on practical solutions that reflect the diverse needs of the people who call District 24 home, Edlira Sako’s background as a teacher, public servant, and mother gives her a personal understanding of the challenges working families face. She will work to lower costs, strengthen communities, and ensure government works for the people, not special interests — because no one should have to choose between paying their bills and buying groceries. Sako will continue to step up to keep our communities safe.

State Senator Chedrick Greene has dedicated his life to serving his community through volunteer work, as a firefighter, and as a Marine veteran. He was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired from a 30-year career as a Sergeant Major E-9, the highest possible rank for enlisted officers. As a firefighter, he served as Saginaw Fire Department captain and community relations liaison and started a fire cadet academy for minority youth. In 2023, Governor Whitmer appointed him to a two-year term on the Statewide Housing Partnership under the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Greene recently won the May 2026 special election for District 35, carrying 60% of the vote. State Senator Greene understands that instituting common-sense gun laws is a key component to protecting children from gun violence.

Keeping neighborhoods safe, protecting children, and promoting responsible gun safety solutions are priorities Melanie Macey takes seriously. As a public interest attorney, community leader, and mother of three, her life and career have been dedicated to service. In her work as a member of the Royal Oak City Commission, she has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to tackle difficult challenges, consistently working to bring people together and turn good ideas into meaningful results.

Foundational common-sense gun legislation has been blocked in the Michigan legislature for the last two years, and Laurie Pohutsky is prepared to help get it over the finish line. Pohutsky is a gun sense champion and was a 2023 cosponsor of the historic and life-saving secure storage and Red Flag laws. Pohutsky is currently in her fourth term in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she serves on the Oversight Committee and as Chair of the Progressive Women’s Coalition. Re-electing this gun safety champion is critical to keeping our families and communities safe.

Kelly Breen is one of the Michigan representatives responsible for authoring the historic gun safety legislation that was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is also one of nine total Moms Demand Action volunteers elected to the Michigan legislature in 2022. A mother, lawyer, political activist, and former Novi City Council member, Breen is a devoted public servant intent on addressing the needs of her constituency. She is chair of the House Judiciary Committee, a member of the School Safety Task Force, and supports expanding access to healthcare for all Michiganders.

Ranjeev Puri’s entry into public service came on the heels of a tragedy, after a gunman killed 6 members of the Sikh temple where his family had worshipped. He and his wife helped start a local group of Moms Demand Action in Michigan, and in 2020 Puri ran for and won his election to the Michigan House of Representatives. He was reelected in 2022, becoming one of nine Moms Demand Action volunteers elected in the state of Michigan that year. He is currently the House minority leader. Gun violence prevention legislation is a top issue for Puri; after the Oxford High School and Michigan State University shootings in 2023, he strongly advocated for universal background checks, safe storage mandates, and Red Flag laws. Re-electing Ranjeev Puri ensures that Michigan continues to have a real leader committed to gun safety.

Brenda Carter has a long history of public service in Michigan. She helped organize the Million Woman March, spent eight years on the Pontiac District School Board of Education, and during her four terms in the Michigan House of Representatives created five task forces focused on education, veterans’ services, minority maternal healthcare, poverty and homelessness, and criminal justice reform. Carter’s life has been directly affected by gun violence—her nephew was shot and killed in 2007, and her son was shot and left disabled in 2017. In 2026, she cosponsored the Gun Seller Liability Act, requiring gun dealers to carry liability insurance and holding them civilly liable for selling to buyers legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Re-electing Brenda Carter ensures Michigan continues to strengthen its gun violence prevention policies.

Sarah Pounds is a working mom, housing advocate, and lifelong resident of Oakland County. She has 20 years of paralegal experience, specializing in construction law. She has served on the board of the Oakland County Housing Trust Fund and the Oakland County Community Development Citizens Advisory Board, and is a co-founder of YIMBY Oakland County, an advocacy group for expanding affordable housing. As a community activist, her focus has been on connecting the citizens of Oakland County with their representatives to effect greater change. As a graduate of the joint training between Everytown’s Demand a Seat program and Gov. Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC, Pounds is ready to flip this seat and fight for common-sense gun safety in the Michigan House.

Alex Hawkins is a community leader, Army veteran, reserve sheriff’s deputy, and a graduate of the joint training between Everytown’s Demand a Seat program and Gov. Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC. He served in the ROTC as an explosive ordnance disposal technician platoon leader. Earlier in his career, he worked as a correctional officer with the Waterford PD. After his active duty ended, he interned for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin as a participant in the Green and Gold Congressional Aide program, which provides veterans employment opportunities with the U.S. House of Representatives. Hawkins believes strong communities begin with a robust education system, affordability, violence prevention, and government accountability. By electing Alex Hawkins, Michiganders can flip District 55 back in favor of gun safety.

Michigan’s 86th District has remained red for more than 30 years, but if voters elect Joseph McClusky the district would flip in favor of gun safety. He has served as regional political director for the Michigan House Democratic Fund and if elected this fall, he will become the first openly gay man to represent Michigan District 86. McClusky has a strong commitment to gun safety and is a graduate of the joint training between Everytown’s Demand a Seat program and Gov. Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC.

A mother, grandmother, and special education teacher in Midland County, AnnMarie Horseman is running because she is tired of waiting for others to step up and fix the issues impacting her community. Horseman became a precinct delegate in 2018 and learned firsthand the issues that matter to her community: rising healthcare costs, skyrocketing grocery bills, and utility rates that keep going up. Horseman will fight for a safe and healthy Michigan, and she is ready to be the leader that the 95th District deserves.