Stephen Schumacher
February 1, 2026
Michigan’s 35th State Senate District, encompassing parts of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties—including the Tri-Cities area of Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw—is set for a pivotal special election. This vacancy arose on January 3, 2025, when former Democratic State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to join the U.S. House of Representatives after her victory in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District in the 2024 election. McDonald Rivet had secured the seat in 2022 with 53% of the vote, marking it as a competitive swing district.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to announce the election dates on August 29, 2025—after a 238-day delay—sparked controversy, including Republican criticism, a lawsuit, and even calls from some Democrats for quicker action to restore representation for the district’s roughly 265,000 residents. This delay has set a modern record for Michigan, leaving the seat empty for over a year by the primary date.
The special election will fill the term’s remainder until the end of 2026. Voters will also cast ballots in the regular August 2026 primary and November 2026 general election for the full term beginning in 2027.
Key Dates
- Special Primary Election: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (early voting and absentee ballots are available now).
- Special General Election: Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
- Voter registration for the primary requires in-person submission at a local clerk’s office with proof of residency by February 3, 2026. Absentee ballots can be requested online, by mail, email, or in person.
Stakes and Political Context
With Democrats holding a narrow 19-18 majority in the Michigan State Senate, a Republican win here could tie the chamber at 19-19 until 2026’s end, potentially preventing Whitmer’s spending and regulatory goals. Rated as a toss-up, the district is drawing national eyes as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms. Republicans view it as a strong pickup chance, citing Democratic recruitment hurdles and the district’s moderate tendencies. Woke politics is seen as a liability.
Controversy includes claims from Michigan Democrats that a GOP-affiliated group is interfering in their primary through ads and mailers backing specific candidates.
Republican Primary Overview
Four Republican candidates are competing in this crowded field to advance to the May general election. Turnout could prove decisive in this off-cycle contest. Candidates emphasize economic development, public safety, education, and critiques of the Whitmer administration’s vacancy management. Below, each candidate is profiled with their background, key positions, and endorsements (drawn from campaign materials and local reports).
Andrew Carlos Wendt
- Background: Retired teacher from Midland; a legal immigrant from Peru who became a U.S. citizen in 1978; age 51; experienced educator in public schools.
- Key Positions/Platform: Stresses American exceptionalism, school choice, business deregulation, and fiscal responsibility; supports pro-life stances and Second Amendment rights; targets inflation and energy costs. Campaign website: wendtforstatesenate.com.
- Endorsements: Gubernatorial candidate Ralph Rebandt.
Christian Velasquez
- Background: Midland City Council member and chemical engineer; raised on a farm as the youngest of five; recruited by Dow Corning; age 58.
- Key Positions/Platform: Prioritizes economic growth, infrastructure, and community connections; advocates tax relief, energy independence, and limited government; leverages engineering expertise for Lansing problem-solving. Campaign website: velasquezforsenate.com.
- Endorsements: Former Attorney General Bill Schuette, former Congressman Dave Camp, State Sen. Kevin Daley.
Jason Tunney
- Background: Attorney from Saginaw Township and former assistant Saginaw County prosecutor; born and raised in the district; involved in family business; age 53.
- Key Positions/Platform: Focuses on public safety from prosecutorial experience, job-attracting economic policies, and curbing government overreach; supports school funding reforms and veteran services. Campaign website: tunneyforsenate.com.
- Endorsements: Americans for Prosperity-Michigan.
Chadwick Twillman
- Background: Saginaw Township resident, U.S. Army veteran, and logistics worker; emphasizes exposing corruption.
- Key Positions/Platform: Campaigns on anti-corruption measures, government transparency, and local concerns like infrastructure and economic equity; highlights military service for leadership. Campaign website: chadwicktwillman.com.
- Endorsements: None listed.
Democratic Primary (For Context)
Six Democrats are in the race: Brandell Adams (Bridgeport Township Trustee), Martin Blank (trauma surgeon and retired Army colonel), Chedrick Greene, Pamela Pugh (State Board of Education President), Serenity Hope Salak, and William Morrone (Saginaw County Medical Examiner). The field has faced internal strife, including the allegations of GOP meddling.
Additional Resources
- Official election details and candidate filings: Michigan Secretary of State’s website (michigan.gov/sos).
- Voter tools: Verify eligibility and find polling places at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.
