Updates About Press Releases

U.S. Senator Gary Peters has announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, concluding a political career spanning over 30 years and positions ranging from local to federal government. Citing a desire to spend more time with family, Peters emphasized his commitment to finishing his term while continuing to advocate for issues affecting Michiganders.

The announcement surprised many, as his retirement marks the second consecutive open Senate race in Michigan, following Senator Debbie Stabenow’s retirement. Peters confirmed he has no plans to seek future elected office.

During a recent visit to a Neighborhood Wellness Center in Detroit, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II highlighted the state’s $17 million investment into 22 centers aimed at reducing racial health disparities. These centers provide free preventive health screenings and are strategically located to serve underserved communities. The centers offer services including screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, as well as flu and COVID-19 testing.

In addition to preventive health screenings, the centers also focus on substance use disorder prevention, piloting programs at seven sites with $250,000 from opioid settlement funds. These pilot sites offer free naloxone access and prevention education for combating the opioid crisis. Community health workers are available to assist with social determinants of health, including food, transportation, and housing. They also provide health counseling and referrals to primary care and senior services. This initiative is just one example of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve health care accessibility.

Find a Neighborhood Wellness Center near you.

At the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently announced a new collaboration with the Detroit Regional Chamber and business leaders from across the state, which they’re calling Michigan Business United for Elections coalition. This nonpartisan group was created to educate citizens about their voting rights and encourage participation in elections. The coalition has committed to serving three key goals: (1) Partners will encourage their employees to volunteer to work the polls in August and November, (2) they will promote education around voting in a nonpartisan manner, and (3) they are guaranteeing that employees will have adequate time off to vote either on Election day or beforehand. This collaboration unites the state with Michigan businesses in efforts to support safe and secure elections.