Dayna Polehanki
Candidate for State Senator, 8th District
Background
- Occupation
- State Senator, 5th District
State senator for the current 5th District, in her second term and the Senate Democrats' Majority Caucus Chair; chairs the Senate Education Committee. A former teacher with nearly 20 years in the classroom who lives in Livonia; she is running in the redrawn 8th District.
Documented positions
Education
Sponsored bills making universal free school meals permanent.In office
ReportSenate Education Committee Advances Polehanki Bills to Make Free School Meals PermanentPublic statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
“passed Senate Bills 784 – 785 to make Michigan's widely successful universal free school meals program permanent”
Sponsored the 2026 law limiting student classroom cell phone use.In office
ReportMichigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Polehanki Bill to Reduce Student Cell Phone Use in SchoolsPublic statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
“SB 495 and HB 4141 will require all public school districts to implement cell phone policies to reduce student usage and distractions in the classroom”
Sponsored legislation on teacher recruitment and retention.In office
ReportBio - Senator Dayna PolehankiPublic statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
“championing legislation to improve teacher attraction and retention efforts”
Environment & parks
Co-sponsored bills to prevent microplastic pollution in waterways.In office
Senate Bills 503–505, sponsored with Sens. Jeff Irwin and Sue Shink.
ReportSenate Committee Advances Legislation Addressing Dangerous Microplastics, Protecting WaterwaysPublic statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
“this legislation would create solutions to assess and prevent further microplastic pollution in Michigan watersheds”
Courts & justice
Supported creating a behavioral health jail diversion program.In office
ReportBio - Senator Dayna PolehankiPublic statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
“supported the creation of a behavioral health jail diversion program”
All sources (9)
- Official Candidate Listing, All State and Judicial Offices, General Election, November 3, 2026
Election filing · Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections · mi-boe.entellitrak.com
- Sample ballots, November 3, 2026 State General Election: Oakland County (every precinct)
Election filing · Michigan Department of State, Michigan Voter Information Center · mvic.sos.state.mi.us
- Official Candidate List, November 3, 2026 General Election (updated 9/25/2026)
Election filing · Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, Elections Division · cdn.oaklandcountymi.gov
- Official Candidate List, November 3, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Wayne County Clerk · waynecountymi.gov
- Sample ballots, November 3, 2026 State General Election: Wayne County (every precinct)
Election filing · Michigan Department of State, Michigan Voter Information Center · mvic.sos.state.mi.us
- Senate Education Committee Advances Polehanki Bills to Make Free School Meals Permanent
Public statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
- Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Polehanki Bill to Reduce Student Cell Phone Use in Schools
Public statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
- Senate Committee Advances Legislation Addressing Dangerous Microplastics, Protecting Waterways
Public statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
- Bio - Senator Dayna Polehanki
Public statement · Michigan Senate Democrats · senatedems.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.