How often is State Senator elected?

The position of State Senator is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Michigan?

Republican and Democratic candidates may either submit a filing fee of $100 or submit a petition signed by 500-1000 electors. Minor party candidates are nominated by convention. For candidates without a political affiliation, signature requirement is 1500-3000 electors.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office for a district comprised of two or more countries. Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office for a district contained within a single county.

Where is the filing office?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office for a district comprised of two or more countries. Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office for a district contained within a single county.

How do I get started running for State Senator?

You can start running for State Senator by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for State Senator does not include a primary or runoff election.

State Senator in Michigan

Candidates for State Senator

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for State Senator.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Michigan.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for Michigan's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

Check your voter registration

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Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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About State Senator

About this position

State Senators are members of the state's upper chamber, as part of the state's bicameral legislature. State senators are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $71,685/year + $10,800/year expense allowance for session and interim; set by the compensation commission. Mileage is reimbursed for up to one trip to Lansing per week.
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for State Senator

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Each senator and representative must be a citizen of the United States and a registered and qualified elector of the district he or she represents by the filing deadline
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Republican and Democratic candidates may either submit a filing fee of $100 or submit a petition signed by 500-1000 electors. Minor party candidates are nominated by convention. For candidates without a political affiliation, signature requirement is 1500-3000 electors.
Filing period
January 1, 2026 - July 16, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office for a district comprised of two or more countries. Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office for a district contained within a single county.
Where to file
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office for a district comprised of two or more countries. Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office for a district contained within a single county.
Filing phone
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office for a district comprised of two or more countries. Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office for a district contained within a single county.
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

State Senator in Michigan

On the ballot

Candidates for State Senator

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Michigan's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About State Senator

About this position

Election type

How to run for State Senator

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for State Legislature

2026 Political Campaign Playbook

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About this guide

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