Firefighter Defeats Board of Education President in Mid-Michigan State Senate Democratic Primary

February 4, 2026

Saginaw fire captain and retired Marine Chedrick Greene won the Democratic primary for Michigan's 35th state Senate district special election with approximately 68. 5% of the vote, defeating State Board of Education president Pamela Pugh who received 31. 5%.

Who is affected

Chedrick Greene (Democratic primary winner)
Pamela Pugh (defeated Democratic candidate)
Jason Tunney (Republican general election opponent)
Voters in Michigan's 35th state Senate district
Labor unions supporting Greene
Bay City Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (who vacated the seat)
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (Pugh endorser)
Four other Democratic primary candidates
The Michigan Democratic Party

What action is being taken

Greene is campaigning for the May 5 general election
Greene and Tunney are competing for the vacant Senate seat
Campaign finance records are being filed and reviewed

Why it matters

This special election is critical because it fills a state Senate seat that has been vacant for over a year, restoring representation to the district. The race highlights a significant divide within the Democratic Party between establishment-backed candidates and progressive wings, as evidenced by competing endorsements and the contentious primary. The Republican interference through ads supporting the progressive candidate reveals strategic calculations about general election viability and demonstrates the competitive nature of this district for both parties.

What's next

The general election will take place on May 5
Greene will face Republican Jason Tunney in the general election

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle