ICYMI: Chamber PAC Announces Initial 2026 Candidate Endorsements
This is an update from the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Christine Simon, Vice President of Government Affairs. I thought you would find this information helpful.
The Friends of West Michigan Business Political Action Committee (PAC) announced its initial slate of endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, backing candidates for the Michigan State Senate and House of Representatives.?
Why it matters:?Having the right people in office directly shapes the policy environment in West Michigan. The Friends of West Michigan Business PAC backs candidates who understand West Michigan business and will push for?policies that drive vibrancy, economic growth, and a high quality of life.
Elected officials set the conditions under which your business operates (through policies affecting taxes, workplace mandates, infrastructure and permitting) and have a direct impact on your team.?The Friends of West Michigan Business PAC works to support candidates who will listen to the people operating businesses in today’s uncertain environment, are willing to engage in nuanced discussions and care about the impact their decisions have on West Michigan.
See full endorsement announcement here
President Trump weighs in to Michigan Gubernatorial Race
President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James in Michigan's Republican gubernatorial primary, dramatically changing the race. Within hours, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt suspended his campaign and endorsed James, consolidating much of the Republican field behind the congressman.
The latest:
Nesbitt said avoiding a divisive primary is the best path to defeating Democrats in November.
Former Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson remain in the race and have pledged to continue campaigning.
Johnson has launched an aggressive advertising campaign challenging James' conservative credentials, while Cox argues voters deserve a full debate before selecting a nominee.
What we're watching: With the president’s overwhelmingly low approval rating, the Republican primary is increasingly becoming a test of whether Trump's endorsement effectively settles the nomination or whether remaining candidates can gain traction with voters. Regardless of the outcome of the primary election, we expect an up-hill climb for Republicans in the general election because of general partisan nationwide trends.
McMorrow exits U.S. Senate race
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has suspended her campaign for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, narrowing the Democratic primary to a two-candidate contest between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
Why it matters: McMorrow's departure reshapes the US Senate race just weeks before the primary. The Democratic nominee will face Mike Rogers in November in a race expected to draw significant national attention and investment.
Bottom line: With the field narrowing, voters and Michigan's business community will have an even sharper focus on the competing visions for economic growth, workforce development and America's competitiveness as the general election takes shape.
Cook shifts West Michigan congressional race toward "Lean Republican"
The Cook Political Report shifted Michigan's 4th Congressional District from Likely Republican to Lean Republican.
Why it matters: The rating change reflects a narrowing political environment that has historically leaned Republican but has become increasingly competitive following redistricting and changing voting patterns across West Michigan. Analysts point to shrinking Republican margins and demographic shifts as key factors behind the update.
The matchup: Incumbent Republican Bill Huizenga is expected to face Democratic state Sen. Sean McCann in one of the most closely watched House races in the Midwest. Both parties are expected to invest significant resources as they compete for a district that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
Bottom line: Cook's rating change doesn't predict a winner—but it does underscore that Michigan's 4th District has become more of a battleground with national implications.
Upcoming Events
It is Debate Week! Don't miss these opportunities to hear from candidates for Michigan's top offices:
Tuesday, July 7 @ 7:00 pm – WOOD-TV will host a debate featuring the Democrats running for the U.S. Senate: former Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens.
Wednesday, July 8 @ 7:30 pm - FOX 2 Detroit will host a debate for the three Republican candidates for governor: former Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. John James, and businessman Perry Johnson.
Thursday, July 9 @ 7:00 pm - WOOD-TV will also host a debate for the three Republican candidates for governor.
More Updates
Several other groups announced their endorsements this month:
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced its endorsing John James for Michigan governor.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson’s campaign for governor received endorsements from the Michigan Pipe Trades Association and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council.
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) is not endorsing in the Democratic gubernatorial primary or the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.
