Three candidates — Chedrick Greene (D), Jason Tunney (R), and Ali Sledz (L) — are running in the special general election for Michigan state Senate District 35 on May 5, 2026. The winner will serve the remainder of Kristen McDonald Rivet's (D) term ending in January 2027. Rivet resigned the seat on January 3, 2025, after being elected to the 8th Congressional District in 2024. Greene and Tunney lead in media attention ahead of the election.
The race could affect control of the Michigan Senate, where Democrats currently have a 19-18 majority. If Greene wins, Democrats would maintain control of the chamber. If Tunney wins, the chamber would tie 19-19, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II (D) casting tie-breaking votes.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) President Heather Williams said, "This election will set the tone for the midterms as we work to build state power across the country to safeguard against Trump’s abuses of power and his agenda that is raising costs. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the DLCC will be with Michigan Democrats every step of the way between now and November."
Republicans opposed the delay in scheduling the special election for the seat, which became vacant in January 2025. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) said, “It seems like Gov. [Gretchen] Whitmer is very intent on doing the most political thing, because it seems like they’re afraid they’re going to lose the seat to Republicans. It’s blatantly political, partisan politics that they’re playing.”
Greene is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, retiring as a sergeant major, and the Saginaw fire captain. Greene's campaign website described him as "a lifelong resident with deep community roots, a big heart for helping his neighbors, and the leadership needed to help Lansing work better for our families."
His campaign website lists as priorities: lowering costs, better paying jobs, protecting our rights and democracy, protecting abortion rights and reproductive health, and public safety. Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Rivet endorsed Greene. Click here for more information about endorsements in the race.
Tunney earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Tunney was an assistant prosecutor in Saginaw County before joining the law firm Arter & Hadden. He later worked as quality assurance, executive vice president, and general counsel for Duro-Last before starting Tunney Law, PLLC. Tunney's campaign website said his "approach to governance is rooted in conservative principles: limited government, individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and empowering families and businesses to thrive."
His campaign website lists as priorities: education and school choice, labor and employment, tax reform, legislative authority, energy policy, infrastructure and Line 5, government transparency, electoral integrity, and public safety. Americans for Prosperity endorsed Tunney.
As of March 2026, 61 state legislative special elections have been scheduled for 2026 in 22 states. Between 2011 and 2024, an average of 70 special elections took place each year. Click here to read more about state legislative special elections in 2026.