Upper Peninsula voters will choose a new state senator on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in a three-way race for Michigan's 38th Senate District.
Election results are pending. This article will be updated as election officials release vote totals.
Republican David Prestin, Democrat Kelli van Ginhoven and independent Sara Cambensy are on the ballot for the open seat, according to the Michigan Department of State's candidate list. Sen. Ed McBroom, a Republican from Waucedah Township who has held the seat for nearly eight years, cannot seek reelection because he is term limited, according to WLUC-TV6.
The district spans nearly 13,000 square miles, making it geographically the largest Senate district in Michigan, according to a candidate forum hosted by WNMU Public Media, WLUC-TV6 and mediaBrew Communications. It covers most of the Upper Peninsula except the far eastern end.
The candidates
David Prestin (R) is a state representative from Cedar River. He was elected to the state House in 2022 and won reelection in 2024, according to the Michigan Advance. His official legislative biography describes his work as a volunteer paramedic, firefighter and small-business owner. He is the Republican nominee, according to the state candidate list.
Kelli van Ginhoven (D) is an Escanaba native, former small business owner and Delta County commissioner, according to her campaign biography. The county website confirms her commission position. She won a recall election for her county commission seat in 2024, according to WLUC-TV6. Van Ginhoven previously served on the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority and the city's planning commission, according to her campaign biography. She also told WLUC-TV6 she had chaired the Delta County Democratic Party.
Sara Cambensy (I) previously served three terms in the state House as a Democrat representing the 109th District during the 2017-2022 legislative sessions, according to the Library of Michigan's legislative biography. She is running as an independent, saying at the candidate forum that "the two-party system has created a political gridlock in Lansing."
What's at stake
The 38th District has leaned strongly Republican in recent cycles, the Michigan Advance reported in February. The outlet also reported the seat was held by Democrats from its creation in 1965 until Republican Tom Casperson won the 2010 election, according to its follow-up report.
Control of the full Michigan Senate is also in play. All 38 seats are on the ballot. Republicans hold 18 seats and Democrats hold 20, with 20 needed for a majority, according to MultiState Elections.
When and where to vote
Polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's voting guidance. The district includes communities in the Eastern and Central time zones; 8 p.m. Central is 9 p.m. Eastern. Anyone in line when their polls close can vote.
Voters who need to register can do so in person with proof of residency and then vote at their city or township clerk's office until 8 p.m., according to the state's registration guidance.
The state recommends county clerk websites for the latest unofficial election night returns. Readers can find those sites through its county results directory. The Michigan Secretary of State's election results page also provides statewide results links. Returns remain unofficial until canvassing and certification.
