Livingston County, Michigan

Michigan Senate District 22

2 candidates are tracked for Michigan Senate District 22 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Robert Hower and Mike Murphy. Candidate information follows official Livingston County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

The 22nd District covers all of Livingston County plus parts of Genesee, Ingham, Oakland and Shiawassee counties, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results and Robert Hower's campaign site. Sitting Republican Sen. Lana Theis is not seeking re-election to this seat because she is term-limited at the end of 2026, per WHMI 93.5's reporting on Sheriff Mike Murphy's campaign launch. Both nominees ran unopposed in their August 4 primaries, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results. 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 › Livingston County › Michigan Senate District 22

Robert Hower

Democratic

Top priorities

Education
Growing the economy through innovation
Giving Michigan families the tools to get ahead

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Robert Hower is a Green Oak Township resident who teaches electrical engineering at Wayne State University, is a research engineer at the University of Michigan, and owns Numed Technologies, LLC, per WHMI's report on his campaign announcement. Per the campaign site, he describes himself as an engineer, a teacher and a union member.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Mike Murphy

Republican

Top priorities

Standing up for crime victims
Transparent, accountable leadership
Researching issues and working across the aisle

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Mike Murphy is the Livingston County Sheriff, who joined the sheriff's office as a deputy in 1990, rose through sergeant, lieutenant and undersheriff, and was elected sheriff in 2016, per CBS Detroit. He lives in Howell with his wife Penny, per the same report.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Michigan Senate District 22 in 2026?

When is the Michigan Senate District 22 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County and state election office filings, last verified October 1, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

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

The rest of your Livingston County ballot

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

Also on your ballot

Michigan House District 49 Michigan House District 50 Michigan House District 72 See all 20 Livingston County races

Candidate profiles

Robert Hower, full profile Mike Murphy, full profile Official Michigan election office