Governor Whitmer Stays Neutral in Key Michigan Primaries

Whitmer declines to endorse candidates in Secretary of State and U.S. Senate races.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:36am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space with warm sunlight streaming in through a window, creating deep shadows and a sense of quiet contemplation.Governor Whitmer's decision to stay out of key Democratic primaries leaves the political landscape in Michigan open and undefined.Lansing Today

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that she will not be making any endorsements in the Democratic primaries for Michigan's Secretary of State or U.S. Senate races. The Secretary of State race features Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, former Whitmer deputy legal counsel Suzanna Shkreli, and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum. The U.S. Senate primary includes Congresswoman Haley Stevens, state Senator Mallory McMorrow, and Abdul El-Sayed.

Why it matters

Whitmer's endorsement could have a significant impact on the outcome of these high-profile Democratic primaries, so her decision to remain neutral is notable. The Secretary of State race will determine who oversees Michigan's elections, while the Senate race could impact the balance of power in Washington.

The details

Governor Whitmer cited a desire to allow the democratic process to unfold without her influence as the reason for not making any endorsements. Both the Secretary of State and U.S. Senate primaries are expected to be hotly contested, with each candidate bringing their own strengths and backgrounds to the races.

  • The Democratic primaries in Michigan are scheduled for August 2026.

The players

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The current Governor of Michigan, a Democrat who has served since 2019.

Garlin Gilchrist

The current Lieutenant Governor of Michigan and a candidate for Secretary of State.

Suzanna Shkreli

A former deputy legal counsel for Governor Whitmer and a candidate for Secretary of State.

Barb Byrum

The Ingham County Clerk and a candidate for Secretary of State.

Haley Stevens

A U.S. Congresswoman and candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Mallory McMorrow

A state Senator and candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Abdul El-Sayed

A candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I want to allow the democratic process to unfold without my influence in these key races.”

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer

What’s next

The Democratic primaries in Michigan are scheduled for August 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominees for Secretary of State and U.S. Senate.

The takeaway

Governor Whitmer's decision to remain neutral in these high-profile Democratic primaries is a notable one, as her endorsement could have swayed the outcomes. Her stance allows the candidates to make their own cases to voters without the weight of the governor's influence.