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Lansing Today
By the People, for the People
Green Oak Scientist, Small-Business Owner Rob Hower Makes Case for Education, Health Care and Economic Change in State Senate Bid
Hower, a Democrat, is challenging Republican Mike Murphy for the 22nd District state Senate seat.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Rob Hower, a Democrat running for the Michigan state Senate's 22nd District, says his campaign is focused on improving education, expanding access to health care, and addressing the rising cost of living for Michigan families. Hower, the CEO of a tech company and a part-time engineering professor, is running against Republican Mike Murphy for the seat currently held by term-limited Republican Sen. Lana Theis.
Why it matters
Hower's bid for the state Senate seat represents a potential shift in political representation for the 22nd District, which includes Livingston County and parts of several other counties. As a Democrat, Hower's policy priorities on education, health care, and the economy could differ significantly from the Republican incumbent.
The details
Hower, a fourth-generation Michigander, has a background in electrical engineering and medical technology. He currently serves as the CEO of Numed Technologies and teaches at Wayne State University. Hower says his top priorities are improving K-12 education, strengthening community colleges and trade programs, expanding access to preventative health care, and supporting small businesses to address the rising cost of living.
- Hower is running for the 22nd District state Senate seat in the November 2026 election.
- The 22nd District seat is currently held by term-limited Republican Sen. Lana Theis.
The players
Rob Hower
A Democrat running for the Michigan state Senate's 22nd District. Hower is the CEO of Numed Technologies and a part-time engineering professor.
Mike Murphy
The Republican candidate challenging Hower for the 22nd District state Senate seat.
Lana Theis
The current Republican state Senator for the 22nd District, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.
What they’re saying
“I'm just a regular guy. I'm a hard worker. I'm a scientist. I like to do my research. I'm going to listen to everybody and try to come up with the best solution… and take that to Lansing and be the voice of the people of the community.”
— Rob Hower, Democratic Candidate for Michigan's 22nd District State Senate Seat (WHMI)
“Just because a Republican says it doesn't mean it's not right. I want to listen to everybody.”
— Rob Hower, Democratic Candidate for Michigan's 22nd District State Senate Seat (WHMI)
What’s next
The November 2026 election for the 22nd District state Senate seat will determine whether Hower or Murphy wins the seat currently held by the term-limited Republican incumbent Lana Theis.
The takeaway
Hower's campaign for the 22nd District state Senate seat represents a potential shift in political representation, with the Democrat positioning himself as a problem-solver focused on improving education, health care, and economic conditions for Michigan families.
