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Jeremy Moss Clinches Michigan 11th District Democratic Primary Win
Jeremy Moss Wins Democratic Primary for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District
What Happened?
On August 4, 2026, Michigan State Senator Jeremy Moss won the Democratic primary election for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. This means he will be the Democratic candidate in the general election this November.
Important Point: A primary election is like a "pre-game" where each political party picks their best player to compete in the final "championship game" (the general election).
The Race Breakdown
Democratic Primary Results (As of 9:36 p.m. ET)
| Candidate | Background | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Moss | State Senator (D-Southfield) | 49.2% |
| Aisha Farooqi | Attorney | — |
| John Paul Torres | Waterford School District Trustee | — |
| Don Ufford | Retired Engineer | — |
- Moss won in a four-way race with nearly half the votes.
- The results were confirmed by CNN and NBC News.
Republican Primary
- Ethan Baker, the Mayor of Troy, ran unopposed (no other Republicans entered the race).
- He automatically becomes the Republican nominee.
Who Is Jeremy Moss?
Political Experience
- State Senator since 2019
- Two terms in the Michigan House (before becoming Senator)
- Southfield City Council member (2011–2015)
Current Leadership Roles
- Chairs the Elections and Ethics Committee – oversees election rules and government ethics
- Chairs the Regulatory Affairs Committee – reviews state regulations
- President Pro Tempore of the Senate – leads Senate sessions when the Lieutenant Governor (Garlin Gilchrist II) is absent
Historic Note: If elected in November, Moss would become Michigan’s first openly gay member of Congress.
Who Is Ethan Baker?
Local Leadership
- Troy City Council (first elected 2015)
- Mayor of Troy since 2019
Professional Background
- Attorney specializing in:
- Estate planning
- Business law
- Real estate
National Experience
- Elected Republican precinct delegate
- Special Assistant to former President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan (after they left the White House in 1990)
Why This District Matters
Geography & Politics
- The 11th District is based almost entirely in Oakland County.
- It is rated "Solidly Democratic" by two top nonpartisan forecasters:
- Cook Political Report
- Inside Elections
Recent History
- Haley Stevens (Democrat) held the seat before stepping down to run for U.S. Senate.
- In 2024, Stevens won re-election by nearly 19 percentage points.
- Notably, Republican Donald Trump won Michigan in 2024, yet Stevens still won big — showing the district leans Democratic even in tough years for Democrats.
What This Means: Moss is heavily favored to win in November, but elections can always surprise!
What Happens Next?
- General Election Campaign – Moss vs. Baker from now until November 2026
- Voters Decide – Registered voters in the 11th District choose their next U.S. Representative
- Winner Goes to Congress – The winner serves a two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives
Summary
- Jeremy Moss won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District with 49.2% of the vote.
- He will face Republican Ethan Baker (Troy Mayor) in the November general election.
- The district is solidly Democratic and located mainly in Oakland County.
- Moss has extensive state legislative experience and would make history as Michigan’s first openly gay Congress member.
- Baker brings local leadership and national political experience from the Reagan era.
FAQ
What is a primary election?
A primary election is when political parties choose their candidate for the general election. Think of it as a team picking its captain before the big game.
Why is the 11th District considered "Solidly Democratic"?
Nonpartisan experts (Cook Political Report, Inside Elections) analyze voting history, demographics, and past results. This district has consistently voted Democratic, even when Republicans win statewide.
What does "President Pro Tempore" mean?
It’s a fancy title for the senator who runs Senate meetings when the Lieutenant Governor isn’t there. It’s a leadership role showing trust from colleagues.
Who was the previous representative?
Haley Stevens, a Democrat from Birmingham, held the seat. She left to run for U.S. Senate in 2026.
When is the general election?
November 2026 — exact date depends on the calendar, but it’s always the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Reporting by Arpan Lobo (alobo@freepress.com)
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