Decisions about who appears on the 2026 ballot in Michigan are already taking shape. Through endorsement and nominating conventions, Michigan’s political parties are selecting candidates for statewide and federal offices. These gatherings are key steps in shaping the ballot for the August primary and the November general election.

In Michigan, political parties hold state conventions to endorse or nominate candidates for certain offices and to make important decisions about party leadership and direction. These conventions are an important but often misunderstood part of how candidates get on the ballot and how political power is exercised before voters ever cast a vote.

During midterm elections, many of the most consequential decisions about who appears on the ballot happen long before Election Day. Party endorsement and nominating conventions play a major role in determining which candidates receive early support, visibility, and resources.

Civic education is about knowing where decisions are made so communities are not locked out of them. That is why understanding party conventions matters for democracy, accountability, and community power. We are sharing this information to help our community stay informed, understand the process, and know how to get involved.

2026 Michigan party conventions

los Libertarian Party of Michigan held its state convention on January 17, 2026, where members selected their nominees for the 2026 ballot.

los Michigan Republican Party will hold its state endorsement convention on March 28, 2026. At this event, only credentialed delegates will be eligible to vote on endorsements for Republican candidates, including attorney general, secretary of state, and other statewide offices.
To participate as a delegate, individuals must be elected as precinct delegates during the August 2024 primary. Precinct delegates represent their local voting precinct at county conventions and may be selected to attend the state convention. To run, individuals must be registered voters in their precinct and file an affidavit of identity with their local clerk before the deadline. You can find additional information at mi.gop/endorsement-convention.

los Michigan Democratic Party will hold its State Endorsement Convention on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit. This event will endorse Democratic candidates for secretary of state, attorney general, state supreme court, university boards, and education positions.
To vote on endorsements at this convention, individuals must be members of the Michigan Democratic Party for at least 30 days prior: by March 20, 2026.
Membership is open to all and does not require a financial contribution. Members must complete the party’s credentialing process in order to vote on endorsements. You can join the party at michigandems.com.

los Green Party of Michigan will hold its State Nominating Convention on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and online. The party will confirm its candidates for state and federal offices. For more about the Green Party of Michigan, please visit migreenparty.org.

These conventions are part of the broader 2026 election cycle in Michigan, leading up to the statewide primaries and general election. Understanding how endorsements and nominations work helps communities:

• Ask better, more informed questions of candidates and party leaders

• Push for transparency and fairness in party decision making

• Demand leadership that reflects the communities parties claim to represent

• Build power earlier in the election cycle, not just on Election Day

Help our community build power in 2026 by staying informed and getting involved!