MLC Insider Intelligence: October 9, 2026
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: Neither the House nor the Senate held session this week.
Mail-in Voting Increases: With four weeks until Election Day, more than 201,000 Michigan voters have already cast their ballot by mail, secure drop box, or at their local clerk’s office. This is a 30% increase over the number of ballots returned at this point before the 2022 General Election.
Key Points: Thus far, 2,047,983 voters have requested a mail ballot for the upcoming election, compared to 1,603,912 in 2022. The number of returned ballots has also increased to 201,909 from 155,142 at this point in 2022. With four weeks to go, 2.7% of Michigan’s active registered voters have returned their ballot.
Midterm Election: This year, the offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are all open races. Additionally, residents will vote for all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats, 38 Michigan Senate seats, and two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court. Federally, all 13 Congressional seats and one U.S. Senate seat are up for election.
Michigan Challenging Fuel Economy Standards: Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition filing a lawsuit against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) final rule weakening corporate average fuel economy standards. Historically, NHTSA’s standards have increased fuel efficiency for vehicles, which, according to the Attorney General’s press release, reduces consumer costs, protects the economy from global oil shocks, and reduces pollution.
Background: In 1975, Congress enacted the Energy Policy and Conservation Act requiring NHTSA to establish “maximum feasible” fuel economy standards for new vehicles. The standards are to be based on technological feasibility, economic practicability, the effect of other motor vehicle standards of the government, and the need to conserve energy.
Legal Challenge: The lawsuit alleges that NHTSA’s new rule is contrary to law and that it contravenes its mandate from Congress to set fuel economy standards at their “maximum feasible” level. It also alleges NHTSA improperly forces the agency to ignore the presence of millions of electric vehicles, leading to a flawed and dramatically distorted analysis. Lastly, the lawsuit alleges the final rule is arbitrary and capricious and violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
Gift Card Protections Signed: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation aimed at cracking down on theft related to gift cards. The legislation amends the Organized Retail Crime Act to add certain gift card-related actions as a violation of the act.
Key Points: Under the act, a violation would occur if someone acquires, alters, or tampers with a gift card with the intent to defraud. Additionally, a violation would occur if a person exploited a gift card holder, issuer, or seller, or obtained something of value with a gift card obtained in violation of the legislation.
Penalties: The new law sets a punishment of up to five years, a fine of $5,000, or both. Additionally, the violator would be required to make restitution to the victim(s).
Spotlight On Representative Bill Schuette: Representative Schuette (R-Midland) is serving his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Before his election to the House, he served as an Intelligence Officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Following his service at the DIA, he worked on public policy at Dow Inc. Representative Schuette earned his B.S. and M.A. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
District: The district includes all of Midland County, Beaverton, Billings, and Tobacco Townships in Gladwin County.
Committees:
House Rules, Chair
Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses, Chair
Finance
Insurance
Judiciary
Next Week: The House scheduled session for Wednesday, while the Senate is not scheduled to meet during the week. A second debate in the gubernatorial race will be held on Thursday, October 15, from 8-9 p.m. WDIV-Local 4 will host the debate in Detroit.
Leading up to the November 5 general election, we are highlighting races generally considered swing seats.
General Election Overview: 9th Senate District: Republican Senator Michael Webber is running for a final term in the Michigan Senate. Republicans have a slight partisan advantage, but this race will be one of the most competitive seats and could impact which party has the majority next year. Senator Webber has a long history of public service in this district but is facing a member of the Troy City Council. We anticipate significant investments from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses as they work to win this district.
District Overview: The district includes Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica, along with portions of Oakland Township, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights.
Democratic Candidate:
Theresa Brooks - Physician, small business owner, Troy City Council member.
Republican Candidate:
Senator Michael Webber – State Senator, previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives and on the Rochester Hills City Council, and spent nearly a decade working in the legislature and executive office.
Working Class:
Jacob Schodowski
No Party Affiliation:
Philippe Cicchini
General Election Overview: 12th Senate District: Democratic Senator Kevin Hertel is running for his second term in the Senate, after previously serving three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. This seat is nearly a perfect 50-50 partisan split and will be pivotal in determining which caucus secures the Senate majority. Senator Hertel and his family have a long history of public service, and he’s been grinding in the district since winning. However, Republicans see a viable path to victory and are investing heavily in their candidate, a political newcomer, John Goldwater. If you’re wondering what race to watch on election night, this should be at the top of your list
District Overview: The 12th Michigan Senate District includes Algonac, Chesterfield Township, Clay Township, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Harper Woods, Harrison Township, Ira Township, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, and St. Clair Shores, and portions of Clinton
Democratic Candidate:
Senator Kevin Hertel – State Senator, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives.
Republican Candidate:
John Goldwater - Oil and gas entrepreneur
General Election Overview: 13th Senate District: After serving two terms in the Senate, Democratic Senator Rosemary Bayer decided not to run for reelection, leaving this seat open. The Republican and Democratic parties are both excited about their candidate as this race features tier 1 candidates for both caucuses. Former Republican Representative Ryan Berman is campaigning to return to the legislature and will face Sean Carlson, who has deep experience working as deputy Oakland County Executive.
District Overview: The district includes Keego Harbor, Northville, Northville Township, Novi, Orchard Lake Village, Plymouth, Plymouth Township, Sylvan Lake, Walled Lake, West Bloomfield Township, and portions of Commerce Township, Farmington Hills, and Novi Township.
Democratic Candidate:
Sean Carlson – Attorney, former Oakland County Deputy Executive, Veteran.
Republican Candidate:
Ryan Berman – Former State Representative, attorney, reserve police officer, and legal advisor to a local police department.
General Election Overview: General Election Overview: 30th Senate District: Republican Senator Mark Huizenga is running for a second full term in the Michigan Senate. This is expected to be one of the most competitive state senate races in Michigan. Senator Huizenga will be facing Representative Carol Glanville, who is looking to flip the seat for the Democratic Party. Both caucuses have invested heavily in this district and are expected to continue investing significantly through Election Day.
District Overview: The district includes portions of Kent and Ottawa counties.
Democratic Candidate:
Representative Carol Glanville – State Representative, teacher, and former Walker City Commissioner.
Republican Candidate:
Senator Mark Huizenga – State Senator, former State Representative, Walker Mayor, Walker City Commissioner, and owner of a consulting firm.