From Statewide to Local elections MPLP Alumni Win Big on Primary Night
EAST LANSING, Mich., August 5, 2026 – While votes continue to be counted across Michigan, it's become clear that alumni of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) will be well represented on the November ballot. Founded in 1992 to train aspiring political leaders, MPLP has taught nearly 900 fellows, with the majority going on to serve in elected or appointed office. The program is administered by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University and is unique due to its bipartisan nature and focus on working across the political aisle.
Last night's MPLP Alumni nominated included:
Governor
Jocelyn Benson (D)
US Congress
Sean McCann (D), 4th District
Christina Hines (D), 10th District
Jeremy Moss (D), 11th District
Michigan Senate
Jason Hoskins (D), 7th District
Mark Huizenga (R), 30th District*
Chris Moraitis (R), 20th District
Justin Onwenu (D), 1st District
Sue Shink (D), 14th District*
Michael Webber (R), 9th District
Michigan House
Ann Bollin (R), 49th District*
Brenda Carter (D), 53rd District*
Tyrone Carter (D), 1st District*
Morgan Foreman (D), 33rd District*
Steve Frisbie (R), 44th District*
Bill Kaiser (R), 76th District
Cindy Ramirez (R), 83rd District
Bradley Slagh (R), 85th District*
Stephen Wooden (D), 81st District*
Mai Xiong (D), 13th District*
*Incumbent
“We are proud of the many MPLP graduates who stepped up to run for office this year, aiming even higher than usual," said MPLP Director Matt Grossmann. Grossmann continued, "There are signs voters rewarded many of the habits and experiences that the program enables.”
Each year, MPLP recruits 24 fellows from around Michigan, evenly split between Republican and Democratic applicants. After selection, the twenty-four fellows tour Michigan and discuss significant issues facing the state and local communities with local renowned experts.
MPLP will be holding an Alumni event on August 19th at 11:30 am at the Commonwealth Conference Center in Jackson. The event will examine the State as we enter the 2026 election cycle and is open to members of the public interested in applying to the program. For more details, please contact Linda Cleary clearyl@msu.edu.