(The Center Square) – More than 7,200 delegates gathered for the Michigan Democratic Party’s 2026 endorsement convention over the weekend as Democrats selected candidates for several key statewide offices ahead of November’s election.
The party endorsed current Ltn. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II for secretary of state and lawyer Eli Savit for attorney general. Delegates also backed current justices Megan Cavanagh and Noah Hood for the Michigan Supreme Court, along with a slate of candidates for the State Board of Education and university governing boards.
In a statement following the convention, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel pointed to convention turnout—the largest in party history – as a sign of momentum heading into the general election.
“Record-breaking turnout was more proof that enthusiasm is on our side and that Democrats are energized heading into November,” Hertel said. “I’d like to thank Michigan Democrats from every corner of the state who showed up and made their voices heard.”
The endorsements come as several top statewide offices are open in 2026 due to term limits for current officeholders.
Michigan is one of just a few states where major political parties nominate candidates for these roles through conventions rather than primary elections.
The Democratic convention follows the Republican convention in March, where delegates nominated Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini for secretary of state and Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd for attorney general.
Both parties are emphasizing unity after past election cycles in which convention-selected candidates struggled in statewide races.
“As we now come together as one party, I look forward to working with each of the endorsed candidates as we fight to lower costs for working families and stand up against the Trump administration,” Hertel said. “Looking ahead, Michigan Democrats are fired up and ready to win up and down the ballot this November.”
In addition to announcing endorsements, Democrats recently applauded that they have candidates running in all 13 congressional districts, all 38 state Senate districts, and all 110 state House districts this cycle.
“This is a monumental moment for Michigan Democrats and a testament to our grassroots strength,” Hertel said. “We are leaving no stone unturned and no Republican unopposed.”
However, the Democratic convention drew criticism from conservative nonprofit Michigan Forward Network, which described the event as disorganized and raised concerns about the party’s nominees and internal divisions.
During one notable moment, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., who is currently running for U.S. Senate, was heckled and booed by pro-Palestinian attendees while delivering a speech.
“Democrats, I love you, even when we disagree,” Stevens said.
Michigan Forward Network pointed to the incident as a sign of tension within the Democrat Party, also citing technical issues during voting and disputes among delegates.
“Michigan Democrats showed their true colors this weekend,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for Michigan Forward Network. “They were unable to manage their own convention, nominated a slate of radical candidates, and were, frankly, childish in their behavior. They shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near positions of leadership in Michigan.”
In just 195 days, Michigan voters will decide the state’s top executive offices: governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general. All of those positions are currently held by Democrats.
