East Lansing, Mich., September 1, 2026 – The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University (IPPSR) released the latest iteration of the long-running State of the State Survey. Conducted by the Office for Survey Research at Michigan State University (OSR), the poll showed that Democrats currently lead in both the race for Governor and the race for Michigan's open Senate seat. The poll shows Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a significant lead in her bid for the governor's office, leading Congressman John James 49% to 39% among registered voters and 52% to 43% among likely voters . However, the same poll shows a much closer race for Michigan's U.S. open Senate seat, with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed leading former Congressman Mike Rogers 48% to 44% among registered voters and 50% to 45% among likely voters. 

Another interesting finding shows a growing generational split within the electorate. Progressive Democrat El-Sayed continued to enjoy strong support among younger voters, ahead of the more traditional democrat Benson among likely voters under age 45. However, El-Sayed trails Benson among older voters. 

"Rogers is running ahead of James, with more success among independents. But El-Sayed is not really underperforming Benson; he's just relying on a younger coalition," said IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann in review of the results.

In terms of support, El-Sayed's Muslim faith may be an issue for many voters, with 37% saying they are less likely to support a candidate who is Muslim.

President Trump remains unpopular with Michigan voters, with 55% saying his endorsement made them less likely to support a candidate, while only 27% said it made them more likely to support a candidate. 

OSR and IPPSR conducted interviews for the survey between August 10 and 20, 2026. 1,000 interviews were conducted with Michigan adult residents using a YouGov online panel. Respondents were recruited via a web-based panel and matched to a sampling frame of Michigan adults. The unweighted bases are 1,000 overall, 913 registered voters, and 779 likely voters under this definition. The State of the State Survey has been conducted continuously since 1994. This round of SOSS will be released to the public at the end of February 2027.

For more information about the State of the State Survey and for past results, please click here.