Genesee County, Michigan

Michigan Senate District 26

2 candidates are tracked for Michigan Senate District 26 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Brendan J. Johnson and Matthew Bierlein. Candidate information follows official Genesee County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Incumbent Senator Kevin Daley (R) did not appear on the August 4, 2026 primary ballot for this seat. Brendan J. Johnson won the Democratic nomination with 56.98 percent over Martin L. Cousineau, and Matthew Bierlein won the Republican nomination with 42.99 percent over four other Republicans, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results (election 706). This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

Michigan › Genesee County › Michigan Senate District 26

Brendan J. Johnson

Democratic

Top priorities

Helping constituents navigate state government and improving constituent services
Lowering car insurance and health care costs and protecting the Healthy Michigan Plan
Investing in roads and infrastructure

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Brendan J. Johnson grew up on his family's dairy farm in Fostoria and holds an associate degree in computer programming from Delta College, per his campaign site. He is running a grassroots campaign for the 26th Senate District with no paid staff or corporate PAC money, per his campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Matthew Bierlein

Republican

Top priorities

A 'Taxpayer Receipt Act' providing annual reports on tax allocation
A state-level Work Opportunity Tax Credit and reduced regulatory burdens
Regulating AI in campaigns, including deepfake legislation

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Matthew Bierlein is a Michigan state representative for the 97th District who co-owns Renue Physical Therapy clinics with his wife, per his campaign site. He previously served as a Tuscola County Commissioner from 2013 to 2019 and holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Spring Arbor University, per his campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotMichigan Senate District 27

See your full ballot

Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Michigan Senate District 26 in 2026?

When is the Michigan Senate District 26 election in Michigan?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Michigan are on the Michigan election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Genesee County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Genesee County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Michigan election office, or see the full Genesee County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Genesee County ballot

21 tracked races in Genesee County, Michigan. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Michigan House District 67 Michigan House District 68 Michigan House District 69 See all 21 Genesee County races

Candidate profiles

Brendan J. Johnson, full profile Matthew Bierlein, full profile Official Michigan election office