It’s officially primary election day here in Michigan! 

Several high-profile races are on the ballot today, including competitive primaries for US Senate, governor, Congress, and the state Legislature, all with major implications for the state’s future.

Today, we’re bringing you up to speed on the races to watch as results roll in.

If you still need to vote today, here are some tips to remember:

When to expect primary results (Votebeat Michigan): Michigan’s primary election is underway, but close races for governor, US Senate and other offices could take time to call as ballots continue to be counted and verified. While many winners may be projected on election night, official results won’t be certified until state and county canvassers complete their reviews later this month.

Flint replaces last active lead line (ABC 12): Flint has replaced its last active lead service line, completing a years-long, $1 billion project launched more than a decade after the city’s water crisis. Crews will finish restoring construction sites through August.

Two Michiganders dead amid cyclospora outbreak (The Detroit News): Michigan has reported the first two deaths linked to this summer’s record cyclosporiasis outbreak, as the number of cases statewide surpasses 11,000. Health officials say the deceased individuals had “significant underlying health conditions,” adding that the outbreak appears to be slowing.

Here are the essential races to watch in Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election, from the Democratic US Senate race to state races. (Photo by Matthew Hatcher/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

By The ’Gander Staff and 910 News

Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election is today as Michiganders will determine which candidates advance to the Nov. 3 general election later this year.

Voters can participate in Republican or Democratic primary races, but must pick one over the other—people who cast votes for both parties will not have their ballots counted in either.

The ’Gander has teamed up with 910 News to bring you the essential races to watch in today’s primary election:

Democratic US Senate race

The contest with the most statewide and national attention is Michigan’s open US Senate seat, which is being vacated by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health leader and 2018 gubernatorial candidate, is up against Rep. Haley Stevens, who has represented a southeast Michigan district since 2019, in the Democratic primary race.

The race has attracted tens of millions of dollars in outside spending and has fed into debates about the future of the Democratic Party.

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow dropped out of the race this month and has not endorsed either remaining candidate.

On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers is running unopposed. He competed against then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin in 2024 for Michigan’s other US Senate seat. While Donald Trump won the state by 80,000 votes, Rogers lost to Slotkin by about 19,000.

The race is one of several that could help determine control of the US Senate, which Republicans, 53-47, currently hold.

Random tidbits worth clicking on…

Browse the virtual shelves of Bingebuster to find your next movie. It’s by far my new favorite way to browse for something to watch. (Bingebuster/Screenshot)

🍿 Do you ever nostalgically think back to those great Friday nights in the ’90s when you’d find yourself at a movie rental store, the smell of popcorn in the air, as you picked out the movies you’d be watching that weekend? If so, then this week’s pick is for you. Bingebuster lets you select the streaming services you’re subscribed to and fill the virtual shelves of a video store you can then walk around in, just like in the old days. The best part, it works on your phone too.

Do you have a cool picture, observation, or comment you’d like to share? Send it here.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from The ’Gander Staff and 910 News. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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