2026 Local Primary Election Previews

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We at the Ludington Torch believe that all voters deserve to know what they are actually voting upon, that's why we have challenged voting results where voters were kept ignorant of the issue.  Most of us do not have the time or ability to attend a candidate forum and rarely are there actual debates anymore, but we've found the best resource is to quickly review a candidate's positions on their own campaign website and compare that with their opponents. 

We have thus included those campaign sites as links in this article and have provided a minimum of analysis to expose our intrinsic biases and just state the obvious comparisons and contrast when necessary.  We use a sample primary ballot for Ludington, which includes the bigger races for governor and US senate, and that can be found here.  To those who have voted early on what is mostly an uninteresting primary:  why?  Vote on Tuesday.

Governor:

Republican:  Four candidates on the ballot, two have suspended their campaigns (Mike Cox and Aric Nesbitt) and endorsed John James, once President Trump formally backed James.  Far from the establishment choice, Perry Johnson offers a more 'ambitious' platform, wanting a forensic audit of spending, eliminating state income tax, and reforming property tax other than the general Republican 'vanilla' choices offered by James. 

Democrat:  The main difference between the two candidates Jocelyn Benson and Christopher Swanson is that their executive experience was developed at different government levels (state secretary and county sheriff, respectively).  She definitely has the advantage as the secretary of state and running the election, regardless.

US Senator:

Republican:  Mike Rogers has a return to US senate candidacy, this time without a primary opponent.

Democrat:  Mallory McMorrow suspended her campaign in July without endorsing either of the other candidates.  Haley Stevens presents herself as more moderate, giving her endorsements from the governor and outgoing Senator Gary Peters.  Abdul El Sayed has earned endorsements from Bernie Sanders, AOC, and other Democrat Socialists, signifying that he is their candidate.

US Representative:  

Democrat:  There is no race on the Republican side, but three vie for the Democrat nod in this mostly GOP district.  Ben Ambrose tries to appeal to working class folks, Jamie Hill looks to appeal more to metropolitan voters, and Clyde Welford has a combination of both.  

State Senator 32nd District:

Republican:  Kim Cole, Mason County's sheriff, extols the usual Republican line of policies, Max Riekse on the other hand, has a more Libertarian philosophy and a bit more candor and resolve on topics like data centers and green energy.  No Democrat race.

In Ludington, you will see the mayor's race and throughout the county you will see two proposals.  Two of three candidates will advance to November.

Mayor:  Cheri Stibitz is the establishment's chosen, being a city councilor for two terms and experience as a mayor candidate in the past who just barely lost to the then-established candidate.  Newbies Carol Hoekstra and Beth Elliot split the anti-establishment vote in this election, Elliot appealing more to the left with her ideals, Hoekstra appealing more to moderates and those interested in achieving wellness in the community.  

Millage Renewals:  This includes the 911 operating millage and the additional road patrol services millage.  If you are satisfied with maintaining these services, vote yes, if you believe the extra road patrol services are not worth the expense vote no on this.  

One other local race of interest occurs in PM Township where one trustee seat will be decided upon for a half term.  Ron Soberalski was chosen earlier this year by the board to temporarily take over for retiring trustee Andy Kmetz; he saw two other challengers then and they are back to see whether they can beat him this time in this Republican primary race where the voter's choices matter.  Jennifer Doggett and Mike Wedding interviewed for the spot back then, but unfortunately, they have not offered any insights to the general public on what they would do as a trustee in any websites.   

Hope this helps you research your candidates and issues.