LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) -- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called a special election to fill a currently vacant Michigan Senate seat.

Kristen McDonald Rivet formerly represented the 35th Senate District, encompassing parts of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, from 2023 to 2025.

She resigned in January following her election and swearing in to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Michigan's 8th congressional district, leaving the seat vacant.

Whitmer called for a special election Friday in a letter to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. A special primary election will be held Feb. 3, 2026. The special election will be held May 5, 2026.

Democratic and Republican Party candidates have until 4 p.m. on Sept. 30 to file the proper paperwork to get their name on the ballot, in

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