Decision 2026: Special Report
Fourteen Latino candidates collectively received 144,543 votes during Michigan’s Aug. 4 Primary Election as voters finalized many of the races that will appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot.
LANSING, MI — Michigan’s Aug. 4 Primary Election produced a historic showing for Latino candidates, with 14 candidates collectively receiving 144,543 votes in races across the state. The results also finalized many of the contests that Michigan voters will decide in the Nov. 3 General Election, including legislative, judicial and local offices.
The primary determined party nominees for congressional, legislative, judicial and numerous local offices. At the same time, several statewide offices—including Secretary of State, Attorney General and the governing boards of Michigan’s public universities—will appear on the November ballot after their nominees were selected earlier this year during the Democratic and Republican state conventions.
One of the notable developments of the 2026 election cycle has been the continued growth of Latino representation on Michigan ballots. A review by La Prensa Latina News Wire found that 14 Latino candidates sought office during the primary election, collectively receiving 144,543 votes in races spanning Congress, the Michigan Legislature, judicial offices and local government.
The candidates represented communities across Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan and West Michigan, reflecting the increasing geographic reach of Latino leadership throughout the state.
Governor’s Race Set for November
Michigan voters selected their major-party nominees for governor, setting up a November contest between:
- Democratic: Jocelyn Benson
- Republican: John James
The governor’s race is expected to be one of the state’s highest-profile contests this fall.
Statewide Offices on the November Ballot
In addition to governor, Michigan voters will elect several statewide constitutional officers and members of the governing boards of the state’s public universities.
Secretary of State
(Nominees selected at party conventions)
Democratic
- Garlin Gilchrist II
Republican
- Anthony Forlini
Attorney General
(Nominees selected at party conventions)
Democratic
- Eli Savit
Republican
- Doug Lloyd
Michigan State Board of Education
(Two seats)
Democratic
- Judith Pritchett
- Tiffany Tilley
Republican
- Bree Moeggenberg
- Terence Collins
University of Michigan Board of Regents
(Two seats)
Democratic
- Paul Brown
- Amir Makled
Republican
- Lena Epstein
- Michael Schostak
Michigan State University Board of Trustees
(Two seats)
Democratic
- Brianna Scott
- Kelly Tebay Zemke
Republican
- Roger Victory
- Julie Maday
Wayne State University Board of Governors
(Two seats)
Democratic
- Richard Mack
- Shereef Akeel
Republican
- Andy Anuzis
- Christa Murphy
Latino Candidates Across Michigan
Fourteen Latino candidates sought office during the Aug. 4 Primary Election. Several earned nominations or advanced to the Nov. 3 General Election, while others concluded competitive primary campaigns.
| Office | Candidate | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. House – 11th District | John Paul Torres | 15,410 | 3rd Place – Democratic Primary |
| Michigan Senate – 4th District | Darrin Camilleri | 35,303 | 1st Place – Democratic Nominee |
| Michigan Senate – 6th District | Mary Cavanagh | 37,331 | 1st Place – Democratic Nominee |
| Michigan Senate – 28th District | Robert Orlando Peña | 4,969 | 3rd Place – Democratic Primary |
| Michigan Senate – 29th District | Ivan Diaz | 7,703 | 3rd Place – Democratic Primary |
| Michigan House – 2nd District | Zacharia Ortiz | 1,093 | 2nd Place – Republican Primary |
| Michigan House – 10th District | Veronica Paiz | 12,042 | 1st Place – Democratic Nominee |
| Michigan House – 78th District | Miguel Pilar | 1,341 | 3rd Place – Republican Primary |
| Michigan House – 83rd District | Cindy Ramirez | 4,671 | 1st Place – Republican Nominee |
| Michigan House – 92nd District | Luke Del Castillo | 8,081 | 1st Place – Democratic Nominee |
| 67th District Court | Cheryl A. Lopez | 9,592 | 1st Place – Advances to General Election |
| Bridgeport Township Treasurer | Roger Rosalez | 562 | 2nd Place – Democratic Primary |
| Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 1 | Lindsey Perez-Plescher | 5,645 | 1st Place – Advances |
| Walker City Commissioner, Ward 1 | Gloria Lara | 800 | 1st Place – Advances |
Combined votes received by these candidates: 144,543
Additional Latino Candidates Advancing to the November General Election
Not every Michigan office appeared on the Aug. 4 primary ballot. Several municipal and school board races are nonpartisan or otherwise advance directly to the November General Election without a primary.
Among the Latino candidates who will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot are:
| Office | Candidate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lansing School Board | Ramiro Garcia | Advances to November (No August Primary) |
| Ecorse City Council | Felipe Soria | Advances to November (No August Primary) |
| Lincoln Park City Council | Belda Garza | Advances to November (No August Primary) |
| Lincoln Park City Council | Carlos Salcido | Advances to November (No August Primary) |
These candidates will join those who secured nominations through the Aug. 4 primary as voters choose representatives for state and local offices in the Nov. 3 General Election.
By the Numbers
- 14 Latino candidates competed in the Aug. 4 Primary Election.
- 144,543 combined votes were received by those 14 candidates.
- 8 candidates won their primary or advanced through contested races.
- 4 additional Latino candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot in races that did not require an August primary.
- 18 Latino candidates are part of Michigan’s 2026 general election cycle when both primary and non-primary races are considered.
Representation Across Michigan
This year’s primary demonstrated the continued presence of Latino candidates in races across Michigan. Candidates sought offices at multiple levels of government, from Congress and the Michigan Legislature to judicial and municipal positions.
Among those advancing to the General Election are Darrin Camilleri, Mary Cavanagh, Veronica Paiz, Cindy Ramirez, Luke Del Castillo, Cheryl A. Lopez, Lindsey Perez-Plescher and Gloria Lara.
Other candidates, including John Paul Torres, Robert Orlando Peña, Ivan Diaz, Zacharia Ortiz, Miguel Pilar and Roger Rosalez, concluded their primary campaigns after participating in competitive races throughout the state.
Looking Ahead to Nov. 3
The Nov. 3 General Election will determine Michigan’s next governor, secretary of state, attorney general, members of Congress, legislators, judges, State Board of Education members, university governing board members and numerous county and local officials.
“One of our goals is to ensure Latino candidates from every part of Michigan receive the same visibility afforded to other candidates,” said Larry Arreguin, managing editor of La Prensa Latina News Wire. “Regardless of party affiliation, we believe documenting Latino participation in public service is an important part of telling Michigan’s story.”
Since expanding from a regional publication to a statewide news organization in 2024, La Prensa Latina News Wire has increased its coverage of Michigan elections, documenting the growing participation of Latino candidates and communities throughout the state. The publication will continue following campaigns leading to the Nov. 3 General Election and reporting election results from communities across Michigan.
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