Full Breakdown
Michigan Senate District 35 GOP Primary: A Competitive Race
1/31/2026, 10:18:09 AM
Overview of the Candidates and Campaign Dynamics
As the Republican primary for Michigan's Senate District 35 approaches on February 3, 2026, four candidates are vying for the opportunity to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet. The candidates—Jason Tunney, Chadwick Twillman, Christian Velasquez, and Andrew Wendt—are competing in a race characterized by significant campaign financing and grassroots support. The district includes parts of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, with absentee ballots already distributed to voters.
Campaign Financing and Strategies
Christian Velasquez leads in campaign contributions, reporting $231,461.22, while his expenditures total $105,370.45. Jason Tunney follows with $189,435.00 in contributions and $138,350.21 in expenditures. In contrast, Andrew Wendt has reported only $2,010.00 in both contributions and expenditures, positioning himself as a financial underdog but emphasizing his community support. Chadwick Twillman, who did not file a finance report, claims a grassroots approach to campaigning, asserting that he has been actively engaged in the race since before the special election was announced.
Criticism and Opposition
While the candidates present varied strategies, there is skepticism regarding the influence of campaign financing on voter decisions. Twillman argues that the primary serves as a test of whether the establishment can maintain control or if voters will prioritize grassroots candidates.
What's Next
The winner of the GOP primary will face the Democratic primary victor in the general election scheduled for May 5, 2026. The Democratic candidates include Chedrick Greene, who has reported the highest contributions in the race, along with Brandell Adams, Martin Blank, William Morrone, Pamela Pugh, and Serenity Hope Salak.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need balance in the Senate and balance in Lansing, and I think I bring a history of accomplishing things, and common sense, and the ability to get along with people.” — Christian Velasquez
- “You want to talk about an abuse of executive authority and silencing the voters’ voice: This is it,” — Jason Tunney
- “but I’m not an underdog in terms of support.” — Andrew Wendt
- “It’s evident that there’s only one candidate with a comprehensive plan for this seven-month term. Voting for any other candidate besides Chadwick Twillman will ensure that this historic opportunity to gain representation will be squandered.” — Chadwick Twillman
