Manz: Down ballot races decide Michigan’s future

WhileMichigan’sattentionzeroesinontheopengovernorandU.S.Senateraces in2026,there’saperilouspoliticalblindspot:theracesforAttorneyGeneral,SecretaryofStateandespeciallycontroloftheLegislature. Republicanscannotmiscalculate—those raceswillshapeMichigan’spoliticalfuturejustasmuchasthemarqueecontests,despitenot drawingabove-the-foldheadlines. Thesecampaignsaren’tsecond-tierorbackupplans—farfromit.Michigan’sAttorneyGeneral andSecretaryofStatewieldrealpower:servingasthestate’sconstitutionaland electionintegritywatchdogs.   Additionally,itwouldbefoolishtosleeponthestateLegislature,arguablythetwomost importantchambersacrossAmerica’sstatecapitals.Withall38MichiganSenateseatsand110 Houseseatsupin2026,controlofLansingisgenuinelyupforgrabs.Republicanswonbackthe Houselastyear,nettingfourseats,andDemocratscontroltheSenatewitharazor-thin19–18 ma