Michigan to Elect University Regents on November 3
Voters will select two new members for the eight-person University of Michigan Board of Regents this November.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections
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Michigan residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents. Six candidates are currently competing for these seats as incumbent regents finish their terms.
Why it matters
The Board of Regents serves as the governing body for the university, making these statewide elections critical for the institutions leadership. These eight-year terms are served without financial compensation.
Six candidates are vying for two board seats in the upcoming election. Regents are elected to serve eight-year terms on the eight-member board.
The players
Jordan Acker
He is an incumbent member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents whose term ends this year.
Paul Brown
He is an incumbent member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents currently seeking a new term.
Amir Makled
He is a Democratic candidate running for a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Lena Epstein
She is a Republican candidate competing for one of the two open seats on the board.
Michael Shostak
He is a Republican candidate campaigning for a position on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
The details
The candidates competing for the two board seats include Democrats Amir Makled and Paul Brown, Republicans Michael Shostak and Lena Epstein, as well as Kyle Maas and Andrew Chadderdon. Incumbent Regents Jordan Acker and Paul Brown are concluding their current terms this year.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Early voting begins across the state.
November 3, 2026: Election day for two Board of Regents members.
Political Context
Opponents often argue that electing board members through statewide partisan ballots politicizes the governance of a public research institution. Critics frequently propose shifting to an appointment-based system to ensure members are selected based on academic or administrative experience rather than party affiliation.
Residents can register and create a voting plan through the UMICH Votes portal to participate in this statewide election. Because regents oversee the university's governance, their policy decisions can indirectly impact the broader Michigan higher education landscape.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that these regents serve eight-year terms, meaning this election will influence university governance for nearly a decade. Engaging with candidate platforms is essential for understanding how future board decisions might affect the state's flagship university.
What happens next
Early voting begins on October 21, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the Michigan elections section.
More information
To register to vote or plan your ballot, visit the UMICH Votes registration and planning portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Michigan Daily.
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