Shiawassee 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 Shiawassee County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Robert Hower (Democratic), Mike Murphy (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan Senate District 22. Not on the November ballot: Lana Theis, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 4, 2026 primary, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results; Michigan prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your 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.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

Michigan › Shiawassee County › Michigan Senate District 22

Robert Hower

Democratic

Top priorities

Making housing and everyday costs more affordable for Michigan families
Strengthening public schools and access to education beyond high school
Health care access, including mental health care

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

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. No campaign website was found as of October 1, 2026.

Next on your ballotMichigan Senate District 28

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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 Shiawassee 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 Shiawassee County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

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

The rest of your Shiawassee County ballot

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

Also on your ballot

Michigan House District 71 Michigan House District 75 See all 4 Shiawassee County races

Candidate profiles

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