10 Major Party Candidates Filed for the 35th District Special Election

What you need to know about the 35th district special election

By Andrew Hornbacher

A special election will be held to replace the vacant seat in the 35th district of the Michigan State Senate. This comes after Kristen McDonald Rivet, the Democrat who previously held the seat, resigned in January to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, under increased pressure, called for a special election to be held in 2026.

The primary election is slated for Feb. 3, 2026, while the general election is scheduled for May 5, 2026. Candidates for the two major parties had until Sept. 30 to file under their party. Independents and third party candidates are still able to file.

The 35th district covers most of Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties. It had been a Republican stronghold until McDonald-Rivet won the seat in 2022. Even with her departure, Democrats hold a 19-18 majority in the Michigan Senate. Republicans are hoping to win the district to create a 19-19 tie.

As of Oct. 6, six Democrats and four Republicans have filed. Brandell Adams, Martin Blank, Chedrick Greene, William Morrone, Pamela Pugh and Serenity Hope Salak have filed as Democrats. Jason Tunney, Chadwick Twillman, Christian Velasquez and Andrew Carlos Wendt are running as Republicans.

Adams is the chair of the Saginaw Democratic Party; his priorities include providing free lunch for K-12 students, affordable housing and lowering the price of college.

Blank is a trauma surgeon based in Saginaw. He previously ran for the 35th district as a Republican in 2022, but has changed parties in opposition to the Trump administration.

Greene is a Marine Corps veteran and captain of the City of Saginaw Fire Department. He advocates for lower costs, improved education and better jobs.

Morrone is the chief medical examiner for Bay City and a specialist in addiction medicine. More information on him is not currently available.

Pugh serves as the current president of the Michigan State Board of Education. She is running to emphasize public health, education, infrastructure and increase economic opportunities.

Salak is a former substitute teacher based in Saginaw. More on her campaign is not currently available.

Tunney is a Saginaw-based lawyer running to eliminate excessive taxes, promote transparency and parents’ voices in education and defend small businesses.

Twillman is an independent running as a Republican. His campaign priorities include infrastructure, education and the justice system. He was present and supported Trump at the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Wendt filed for election on Sept. 25. More information on him is not currently available.