The Gist
Home

State

State Senator, 36th District

Vote for
1
Term
4 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state senator votes on Michigan laws and the state budget and confirms many of the Governor's appointments.

Covers Wexford, Alpena, Iosco, Otsego, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Arenac, Crawford, Presque Isle, Alcona, Montmorency and Oscoda counties and part of Bay and Manistee counties.

Taxes & budget

  • Mark W. YonkmanDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Michele HoitengaRepublican

    • Sponsored bill ending state income tax on overtime payIn office
    • Sponsored bill exempting residents 70 and older from property taxesIn office

Environment & parks

  • Mark W. YonkmanDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Michele HoitengaRepublican

    • Sponsored bill restoring local zoning control over energy projectsIn office
    • Sponsored bills restoring year-round coyote huntingIn office

Government & transparency

  • Mark W. YonkmanDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Michele HoitengaRepublican

    • Proposes public justification of utility rate increasesIn office
    • Sponsored bill requiring warrants for DNR, EGLE land entryIn office

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 3 issues covered in this race.