Michigan Democrats Pick Savit as Attorney General Nominee

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit defeats Oakland County's Karen McDonald for the Democratic nod.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:39am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring repeated geometric shapes and overlapping brushstrokes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the high-stakes battle for Michigan's attorney general.The race for Michigan's top law enforcement office has taken on heightened political significance, with the Democratic and Republican nominees offering starkly different visions for the role.Today in Detroit

Michigan Democrats have nominated Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit as their candidate for state attorney general, choosing him over Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald at the party's endorsement convention in Detroit. Savit will face off against Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd, the Republican nominee, in the November general election.

Why it matters

The race for Michigan attorney general is seen as a key battleground in the ongoing fight over voting rights, election integrity, and the rule of law. Savit's nomination represents a shift toward a more progressive, activist approach to the office compared to past Democratic AGs.

The details

At the Michigan Democratic Party's endorsement convention in Detroit on Sunday, delegates voted to nominate Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit as the party's candidate for state attorney general. Savit defeated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald for the nomination. The vote sets up a November election contest between Savit and Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd, the Republican nominee.

  • The Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Eli Savit

Washtenaw County Prosecutor and the Democratic nominee for Michigan Attorney General.

Karen McDonald

Oakland County Prosecutor and Savit's opponent for the Democratic nomination.

Doug Lloyd

Eaton County Prosecutor and the Republican nominee for Michigan Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“We're on the front line right now. We're facing challenges from Washington, D.C. We're facing challenges from the corrupting influence of money in our politics. But what you see reflected on this stage is a hopeful vision for the future.”

— Eli Savit, Washtenaw County Prosecutor

What’s next

The Michigan attorney general election will take place on November 4, 2026.

The takeaway

Savit's nomination represents a shift in the Michigan Democratic Party toward a more progressive, activist approach to the attorney general's office, which will be a key battleground in the ongoing fight over voting rights, election integrity, and the rule of law.