Emerson College
5%4%3%2%1%0%
Republican
Bernadette Smith
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan
Republican
Michigan Republican Senate nominee?
$87.7K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Michigan Republican Senate nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$87.7KAUG 5, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current rolePolitical candidate
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationMichigan
BackgroundPolitical candidate
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Notable personal detailsBernadette Smith is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan in the 2026 election cycle. She has served in leadership roles within the Michigan Republican Party, including as the party’s co-chair. Her campaign committee, Bernadette Smith for US Senate, is registered with the Federal Election Commission as her principal campaign committee.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govdocquery.fec.govmi-boe.entellitrak.commichigan.govbernadettesmithforussenate.commichiganpublic.orgefoservices.fec.govmichaelcarbonara.comstjosephcountymi.govwebforms.fec.govfec.delvedc.cominsideelections.comsenate.govprojects.propublica.orgbaselight.appsunlightlabs.github.ioen.wikipedia.orgreddit.commichiganadvance.comyahoo.comlegislature.mi.govbernadettesmith.netgtgop.orgnewsfromthestates.comsenate.michigan.govnwlcactionfund.orgcapitol.legislature.mi.govwdet.orgkentcountygop.comlocalcandidates.orgfacebook.cominstagram.comdetroitnews.comfoxnews.comfreep.comwinnipegfreepress.comchvnradio.comcityam.comcbc.caoctagonai.coballotready.orghistory.house.govgovinfo.govncsl.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports cutting federal spending, balancing the budget, reducing waste, and opposing what she calls "Washington’s reckless spending." She emphasizes rebuilding manufacturing, empowering small businesses, and fiscal discipline rather than increased government spending.
Healthcare
Supports keeping healthcare decisions between families and doctors rather than government; prioritizes affordable options, mental health access, and reforms that emphasize patient choice and reduced government involvement.
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Immigration & Border
Supports stronger border enforcement, including finishing the border wall and ending "catch-and-release," and favors immigration reforms framed around protecting citizens and combating cartels. Emphasizes securing the border as a priority for public safety and order.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate positions emphasize faith, family, and life and present a pro-life stance that opposes abortion. Campaign materials and reporting describe the candidate as staunchly anti-abortion.
Climate & Energy
Supports an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy prioritizing energy independence that includes American oil, gas, nuclear, and next-generation clean energy, with an emphasis on protecting jobs and the Great Lakes. Positions favoring domestic fossil fuel production alongside clean energy incentives align with a market-driven, energy-independence approach rather than aggressive emissions phase-out mandates.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate emphasizes "law and order," states she stands with law enforcement and victims, and says she will defend the Constitution and individual freedoms. Her campaign platform frames public safety around supporting police, accountability, and preserving constitutional rights. There is no explicit endorsement of specific gun-control measures on the campaign site.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 18, 2026
Bernadette Smith is in the news as a Michigan legislative candidate ahead of the August primary. In recent voter-guide coverage, she was among the many candidates who said they oppose the 2026 constitutional convention ballot question. Broader election coverage also places her in a competitive Michigan House race, with issues like voting rules, tariffs, and child care shaping the campaign environment.
fec.gov+43
Articles
MLM Live Michigan 2 months ago
Hello, Grand Rapids: Mourning mom of 3 killed in a wrong-way crash
Neutral
TOThe Oregonian5 months ago
A $50 million push aims to make child care a big issue in midterm elections
Positive
DFDetroit Free Press5 months ago
When is Michigan's 2026 primary election? Dates to know
Neutral
WEWashington Examiner5 months ago
Supreme Court’s tariffs ruling scrambles Michigan midterm campaigns
Neutral
Latest Polls
Michigan Republican Senate nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$77.2K
$57.9K
$38.6K
$19.3K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$77.2K
$4.1K
$73.2K
$4.1K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements