MLC Insider Intelligence: July 17, 2026
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The House and Senate are on their reduced summer session schedule. Neither session nor committees were held this week.
Governor Announces Data Center Plan: This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan. It aims to ensure that companies pay the full cost of data center construction and operation, strengthen the electric grid, safeguard natural resources, and hold companies accountable for their development.
First Pillar: The plan has two pillars. Under the first, Governor Whitmer calls on members of the legislature to adopt the data center safeguards already put in place by the Michigan Public Service Commission, which include: minimum billing demand, contract termination fees, credit and collateral requirements, minimum contract terms, and other efforts to ensure data centers are paying the full costs they are putting on the system.
Second Pillar: Companies would sign the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge. Under which, signees commit to creating good-paying jobs and a commitment to pay for all their own costs, including water and energy.
Election Equipment Testing Underway: This week, Michigan’s county, city, and township clerks began conducting mandatory pre-election tests of their machines to ensure they are working properly ahead of the August 4 primary election. Testing is open to the public and must be conducted at least five days before early voting starts on July 25.
Key Points: The logic and accuracy tests check and confirm that voting equipment is in working order and functioning properly. Clerks run a set of test ballots through the machine to verify it’s programmed correctly and operating as expected. After the test, the test materials are securely stored and kept separate from early voting and Election Day materials.
State Law: Michigan law requires the use of paper ballots for every election and for the ballots to be machine-counted. Each county clerk selects, purchases, and maintains their own certified election equipment from a qualified vendor.
Spotlight On Representative Cam Cavitt: Representative Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) is serving his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives. He’s worked as a realtor for 20 years and runs a small business. Additionally, Representative Cavitt served as Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner.
District: The 106th District includes the Northern Michigan counties of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Presque Isle, and portions of both Oscoda and Cheboygan
Committees
Appropriations
Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, chair
Military and Veterans Affairs, vice chair
Labor and Economic Opportunity
Corrections and Judiciary
Next Week: The House and Senate are on their reduced summer session schedule. Neither session nor committees are scheduled for the week.
Leading up to the August 4 primary, we are highlighting key races shaped by voter demographics in the district. Candidate websites and professional backgrounds are listed when available.
20th Senate District Primary Election Overview: Republican Senator Aric Nesbitt is term-limited from running for reelection, leaving this seat open. The district has a 59% Republican base; thus, the winner of that three-way primary race is likely to win in November.
District Overview: The 20th Senate District includes portions of Allegan, Berrien, Kent, and Van Buren counties.
Republican Candidates:
Curtis Clark
Kenny Clevenger – Casco Township Treasurer, former general manager, realtor, and insurance salesman.
Chris Moraitis – Attorney.
23rd Senate District Primary Election Overview: Republican Senator Jim Runestad has served 12 years in the legislature, making him term-limited for running again in the Michigan Senate. The district has a 58.1% Republican base, making that primary election important to who is likely to represent this seat next term.
District Overview: The 23rd Senate District includes the western half of Oakland County.
Republican Candidates:
Daniel Lawless – Restaurant franchise owner.
Donni Steele – State Representative, small business owner, realtor, former Treasurer and Trustee of Orion Township.
24th Senate District Primary Election Overview: Republican Senator Ruth Johnson is term-limited and cannot run for reelection, leaving this seat open. This seat has a solid 63.3% Republican base, and the winner of that primary is likely to win in November.
District Overview: The 24th Senate District includes portions of Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, and Lapeer counties.
Republican Candidates:
Terence Mekoski – Former State Representative and law enforcement officer.
Douglas Wozniak – State Representative, former State Senator, attorney, insurance agent, realtor and broker, and small business owner.
25th Senate District Primary Election Overview: After 14 years in the legislature, Republican Senator Dan Lauwers is term-limited from running for reelection. This open seat has a 61.1% Republican base, making that four-way primary race key to who will represent this seat next term. That primary includes two former state representatives running to return to the legislature.
District Overview: The 25th Senate District includes Huron and Sanilac counties, along with portions of Tuscola, St. Clair, and Macomb counties.
Republican Candidates:
Andrew Beeler – Former State Representative, Navy Veteran.
Gary Eisen – Former State Representative.
John Mahaney
Randy Schultz – Former township supervisor.