Michigan Senate, governor debates happening this week
Key issues ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections
With 42 days until the 2026 Midterm Elections, kitchen table issues are driving the discussion. Former Democratic State Representative Leslie Love, Hunter Lovell with the Republican National Committee and Oakland University Political Science Professor Dave Dulio discuss the issues candidates will have to address.
With less than a month until the election, many Michigan candidates will take the stage this month for debates.
Here’s information on upcoming debates in Michigan, and where you can watch.
Additionally, FOX 2’s The Pulse will have special coverage this week for the gubernatorial and Senate debates. More info on that is below.
Governor debate: Jocelyn Benson and John James
- Tuesday, Oct. 6 - WOOD-TV 8. More info
Senate debate: Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers
- Thursday, Oct. 8 - WOOD-TV 8. More info
How to watch:
The governor and Senate debates this week will be carried live on Nexstar’s two television stations serving Michigan, WOOD TV (Grand Rapids) and WLNS (Lansing). They will also be carried on CBS Detroit (Detroit), WJRT (Flint), WWTV/ WWUP/ WFUP (Traverse City), WBUP (Marquette), and WBKB (Alpena).
The event will also be streamed live on Nexstar’s digital platforms, with excerpts airing nationally on NewsNation and The Hill.
Additionally, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 is hosting a Senate debate later this month on Oct. 21.
Note :
FOX 2 hosted a Senate debate on Sept. 15, which was not attended by Republican candidate Mike Rogers.
READ MORE: Senate debate: Mike Rogers declined, Abdul El-Sayed confirmed
FOX 2 ‘The Pulse’ debate coverage
Dig deeper:
Roop Raj, host of FOX 2’s political show, "The Pulse," is in Grand Rapids for the debates. We’re airing special editions of "The Pulse" this week:
- Tuesday, 8-10 p.m. - Gubernatorial debate coverage, streaming on FOX Local and in the video player above
- Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. - "The Pulse" On the Road in Grand Rapids, airing on TV and streaming on FOX Local
- Thursday, 8-10 p.m. - Senate debate coverage, streaming on FOX Local and in the video player above
Secretary of State debate: Garlin Gilchrist and Anthony Forlini
Meanwhile:
Also this week, on Thursday, Oct. 8 , the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is hosting a debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates for Michigan secretary of state, Garlin Gilchrist II and Anthony Forlini.
The debate will be streamed and you can also request a seat to attend. Find more info here.
READ MORE: Voting in Michigan: What to know ahead of November election
November election
FILE - Workers pre-processing absentee ballots at the city of Lansing Clerk's Election Unit on November 2, 2020 in Lansing, Mich. (Photo by Jeff Kowalsky / AFP via Getty Images)
What’s next:
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and early voting is underway now.
Absentee ballots are being sent out now, and you can still request one.
Early in-person voting begins Saturday, Oct. 24.
What's on my ballot?
How the 'Money Out of Politics' ballot initiative would work if passed
The senate and gubernatorial races are getting most of the attention, but there's a ballot initiative voters will decide on in November. Eric Lupher with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan discusses how the initiative aiming to get money out of politics would work if passed. Plus, AI Expert John Patterson discusses the technology's role in the 2026 vote.
Big picture view:
All Michiganders will have a say in their pick for:
- Michigan governor
- Michigan Secretary of State
- Michigan Attorney General
- Congressional U.S. Senator
Two statewide proposals are also on the ballot:
Those living in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties will be voting on renewing the zoo millage. And voters in Wayne and Oakland counties will see a museum millage on the ballot.
Districts will also be voting on state senators and representatives in Congress, and some cities have local millages as well.
What you can do:
See a sample of what’s on your ballot here. You just need to put in your county, city and voting precinct.
Get more information on the various ways you can vote early in Michigan here.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from Nexstar. Background information was taken from the Michigan Secretary of State and previous FOX 2 reporting.