Bridge Listens Issues Watch recap: Michigan’s governor, Senate elections

Watch a recap of the latest virtual discussion about key races in next week’s midterm
Topics included spending and divisions in both parties
The Issues Watch is at noon Nov. 4 to discuss election results

All eyes are on Michigan for the midterm elections Tuesday, when voters will elect a new governor and US senator and decide control of the state Legislature.

On Wednesday night, Deputy Editor Jonathan Oosting moderated a virtual discussion with Capitol reporters Lauren Gibbons, Simon D. Schuster and Jordyn Hermani and took reader questions.

The hour-long discussion touched on campaign spending, divisions among Democrats and how candidates in what is expected to be a tight Senate race are trying to reach voters in nontraditional areas.

Other topics included how affordability concerns and the price of gas will affect the election, ballot measures and how the governor’s race other contests.

Missed the discussion? Watch here:

The discussion was part of Bridge Listens, our yearlong effort to listen to readers’ top concerns as the 2026 campaign season unfolds.

All year, Bridge has hosted virtual discussions about election-year issues that readers prioritized through Bridge Listens, our yearlong listening effort. Other events have focused on the state of democracy,, the economy, the environment, healthcare and K-12 schools.

Related:

Up next, Bridge Michigan is hosting a post-election day Issues Watch at noon Nov. 4 about the midterm election results.

Executive Editor of Impact Joel Kurth will moderate the discussion with Capitol reporters Lauren Gibbons, Simon D. Schuster and Jordyn Hermani along with data and accountability reporter Matt Mencarini.

Bridge Club members are notified of future events from our nonprofit newsroom and receive member-exclusive benefits such as free Bridge event tickets, copies of our bimonthly Bridge Culture Club selections and more. Member support allows us to offer engagement opportunities like this Issues Watch series.

To stay up-to-date on upcoming events and Bridge Michigan’s reporting, sign up for any of our free email newsletters, including the three-times-a-week Politics Watch newsletter.