Michigan Voters to Decide Senate Control on November 3
The 2026 election features a tight race in the 12th Senate District between incumbent Kevin Hertel and challenger John Goldwater.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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Michigan residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to determine the balance of power in the state Senate. The election includes a high-stakes contest in the 12th District, currently held by Democratic incumbent Kevin Hertel.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race will decide which party controls the Michigan Senate, which currently operates with a narrow 20-18 Democratic majority. The 12th District, covering parts of Macomb, St. Clair, and Wayne counties, remains a key battleground for determining the legislature's direction.
Incumbent Senator Kevin Hertel won his current seat in 2022 by a slim margin of 404 votes. He is currently seeking a second four-year term in the legislature.
The players
Kevin Hertel
He is the incumbent Democratic state senator for the 12th District who was first elected to the seat in 2022.
John Goldwater
He is the Republican challenger running for the 12th Senate District seat after winning his primary election.
The details
Senator Kevin Hertel faces a challenge from John Goldwater, who secured his spot on the ballot after defeating four other candidates in the primary election. Hertel previously won the 12th District seat in 2022, and his current term is set to conclude at the start of 2027.
Timeline
Kevin Hertel won the 12th District seat in 2022.
Election day for the Michigan state senate races is November 3, 2026.
Kevin Hertel's current senate term ends January 1, 2027.
Political Context
Opposing groups and candidates frequently cite the narrow 20-18 party split as a primary driver for intensive campaign activity in swing districts like the 12th. Critics of the current majority argue for a change in legislative leadership to rebalance influence within the Senate.
The election results will directly determine which party sets the legislative agenda for the state, impacting future regulations and local funding priorities. Residents in the 12th District will be represented by either the incumbent or his challenger starting in 2027.
The takeaway
Voters should review their specific district's polling locations and candidate platforms before heading to the polls on November 3. Tracking campaign finance disclosures and primary results can provide deeper insight into the resources fueling these legislative contests.
Further reading
For more on upcoming races, visit Michigan Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Macomb Daily.
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