Your Guide to The 2026 Election

Important Links

Apply for an Absentee Voter ballot online: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication

Where do I vote (Return Absentee & In Person): https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

Early Voting Locations

When: July 25th - August 2nd

Hours: 8:30 AM -4:30 PM except Thursday, July 7th Noon - 8 PM

Where: Waterford Oaks 2800 Watkins Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48328

Costick 28600 W. Eleven Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48336

Endorsement & Rating Process

FFHDC's diverse, seven-member Endorsements Committee evaluates candidates through a rigorous, equitable, and standardized process.

Qualified candidates complete a comprehensive questionnaire assessing their priorities, experience, community impact, judgment, and alignment with Democratic and FFHDC values. The committee reviews and scores responses using a consistent framework and conducts targeted interviews when additional clarity is needed.

After considering all questionnaire responses and interviews, the committee votes on an endorsement recommendation, which is then submitted to the FFHDC Executive Board for final approval

2026 Primary Endorsements

FFHDC has endorsed the following candidates

Samantha Steckloff
Candidate for Michigan State Representative, District 19

Samantha Steckloff serves as a staunch fighter for the Democratic agenda in the Michigan State House despite the fact that Republicans currently hold the majority. She has a track record of passing legislation with real impact, such as ensuring oral cancer medications are treated the same as injected cancer medications by insurance, and laws that protect families that grow via surrogacy. Her forward-looking priorities include affordable health care, sustainable infrastructure, protecting the environment and improving education.

Learn More: https://www.samanthasteckloff.com/

Dayna Polehanki
Candidate for Michigan State Senator, District 8

Dayna Polehanki has been a dedicated State Senator since 2019 after a 20-year career in education. Whether it’s long-term road funding, safe gun storage laws, creating Michigan’s first-ever Healthy Climate plan, or free meals for kids at school, Dayna is a fighter for the people. She will continue to push for policy that focuses on accessibility and affordability for all Michiganders.

Learn More: https://www.daynaforsenate.com/

Kelly Garrett

Candidate for Michigan State Representative, District 18

Kelly Garrett has 15 years of experience in local government, where she has a track record of listening to her community and delivering meaningful improvements. One example of this was bringing SMART public transportation to Lathrup Village, providing essential, affordable transportation to the community. With a focus on affordability, paid family & medical leave, and equitable healthcare, her priorities support FFHDC’s values of progress and equity. As State Representative to District 18, she will fight for these values and expand her positive impact to the entire state of Michigan.

Learn More: https://voteforkellygarrett.com/

Moneka Sanford
Candidate for 47th District Court Judge

Moneka Sanford brings together extensive legal experience, a strong social work background, and a deep commitment to fairness, dignity, and rehabilitative justice. Committee members were particularly impressed by her ability to balance compassion with accountability while recognizing the real-life circumstances that bring people before the court. Her leadership experience, dedication to serving vulnerable populations, and commitment to treating all participants in the justice system with respect reflect the temperament expected of a judge.

Learn More: https://www.sanfordforjudge.com/

Elisabeth Dery
Candidate for Oakland County Probate Court Judge

Elisabeth Dery brings extensive experience in probate law, elder law, and guardianship with a career dedicated to serving families and protecting vulnerable individuals. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to fairness, consistency, and expanding access to justice, particularly for people with disabilities and those navigating the probate court system. Through her work educating fellow attorneys and professional fiduciaries, she has helped strengthen legal standards and promote best practices across Michigan. Her compassion, integrity, and focus on improving court processes reflect the values of public service, equity, and community that FFHDC seeks to advance.

Learn More: https://www.deryforprobatejudge.com/

Nadine Hatten
Candidate for Circuit Court Judge, 6th District

Nadine Hatten brings extensive experience as a Juvenile Referee, District Court Magistrate, attorney, and educator, with a career dedicated to serving children, families, and the community. She emphasizes fairness, impartiality, and strengthening public trust by improving access to the courts and connecting families with community resources. Hatten highlights her role in developing a Truancy Court to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism and her commitment to engaging with residents through schools and community organizations. Her approach reflects a strong commitment to ethical leadership, judicial integrity, and ensuring every individual who enters the court system is treated with dignity and respect.

Learn more: https://www.nadinehattenforjudge.com/

2026 Primary Candidate Ratings

For this year's U.S. Senate and U.S. House District 11 ratings, each candidate's grade reflects the average of the scores awarded by individual Endorsements Committee members following their review of the candidate's questionnaire. These are not endorsements.

Abdul El-Sayed - A Rating
Candidate for United States Senator, Michigan

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed brings a vision of leadership rooted in equity, community engagement, and expanding opportunity for all Michiganders. His campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, protecting democracy, strengthening public institutions, and ensuring every community has a voice in government. Throughout his career, he has focused on addressing systemic barriers through collaborative, people-centered solutions while building broad coalitions to create lasting change. His commitment to justice, inclusion, and civic participation closely reflects the values and priorities of FFHDC.

Learn More: https://abdulforsenate.com/

Haley Stevens - B Rating
Candidate for United States Senator, Michigan

Congresswoman Haley Stevens has built a record of delivering results for Michigan through investments in manufacturing, workforce development, and economic opportunity. She has consistently emphasized bipartisan collaboration and strengthening democratic institutions while advocating for working families. Her focus on innovation, job creation, and effective public service reflects a pragmatic approach to advancing Democratic priorities. Her dedication to public service and building a stronger Michigan aligns with the values of FFHDC.

Learn More: https://haleyformi.com/

Jeremy Moss - A Rating
Candidate for Michigan's 11th Congressional District

State Senator Jeremy Moss has built a record of advancing Democratic priorities through effective leadership, coalition building, and delivering meaningful results for Michigan communities. A longtime advocate for civil rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ equality, he has consistently worked to expand opportunity and protect the rights of all residents. His collaborative approach, legislative experience, and commitment to public service reflect a dedication to creating positive, lasting change.

Learn More: https://www.votejeremymoss.com/

Aisha Farooqi - B Rating
Candidate for Michigan's 11th Congressional District

Aisha Farooqi brings a background in public service, legal advocacy, and grassroots organizing with a focus on expanding opportunity and strengthening democratic institutions. Her work has emphasized civic engagement, access to justice, and policies that support working families, healthcare access, and government accountability. She has demonstrated a commitment to serving her community through advocacy, volunteerism, and pro bono legal work while encouraging greater civic participation.

Learn More: https://aishaforcongress.com/

John Paul Torres - B Rating

Candidate for Michigan's 11th Congressional District

John Paul Torres has dedicated his career to public service, community organizing, and advocating for Michigan's working families and immigrant communities. He has led successful efforts to strengthen local communities, protect workers, expand access to mental health and addiction resources, and support families through effective public programs. His longstanding commitment to immigration reform and community advocacy reflects a belief in building a more inclusive and equitable Michigan for all.

Learn More: https://www.johnpaultorresforcongress.com/