Daniel Patterson to Run for MSU Board Seat
Libertarian candidate Daniel Patterson enters the race for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections
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Should elections for public university boards of trustees be non-partisan?
Libertarian candidate Daniel Patterson is seeking one of the two seats on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees available in the upcoming election. Michigan voters will decide the winners of these eight-year terms on November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
The board oversees governance of the university, and positions are filled by voters in a statewide election held every two years. This race is part of a broader contest featuring ten candidates competing for the two open positions.
Ten candidates are competing for the two seats on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees appearing on the statewide ballot. Each successful candidate will serve an eight-year term on the governing board.
The players
Daniel Patterson
He is a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives and an alumnus of the Michigan State University College of Agriculture.
Michigan State University Board of Trustees
This body is responsible for the governance of Michigan State University and is comprised of members elected by voters statewide.
The details
Daniel Patterson, a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Agriculture, is running as a Libertarian candidate. Patterson previously served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2008 to 2012.
Timeline
Patterson served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2008 to 2012.
The Michigan State University Board of Trustees election takes place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The election for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees functions under the structure defined by Michigan Constitution Article VIII Section 5. This constitutional provision governs the selection process for the institution's primary oversight body.
Voters across the state will have the opportunity to select candidates who will manage university governance for the next eight years. Residents should review the statewide ballot to understand the full list of ten candidates participating in this election.
The takeaway
The election determines the leadership oversight for a major state institution. Voters should research the individual candidates to understand how their specific platforms may influence university policy.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming Elections in Michigan.
Live Poll
Should elections for public university boards of trustees be non-partisan?
