Lansing, MI – Americans for Prosperity-Michigan (AFP-MI) today announced its endorsement of five Michigan State Senate candidates ahead of the 2026 elections: State Sen. Michael Webber (SD-9), John Goldwater (SD-12), Ryan Berman (SD-13), State Sen. Mark Huizenga (SD-30), and Kim Cole (SD-32).
Michigan families are navigating rising costs, an energy agenda that drives up utility bills, and an education system that too often prioritizes bureaucratic interests over student outcomes. These five candidates have each demonstrated a commitment to policies that lower costs, expand opportunity, and keep government accountable to the people it serves.
AFP-MI State Director Tim Golding released the following statement:
“Michiganders are not asking for more from Lansing — they are asking for leadership that delivers. Lower costs, more freedom in health care, real choices in education, and an energy policy that works for Michigan families and businesses rather than against them. These five candidates have shown they will fight for those outcomes, and AFP-MI is proud to stand behind them.
“Our grassroots activists have thousands of conversations with Michiganders every year, and the message is consistent: people want results. We are confident these candidates will advance policies that expand freedom and opportunity for all Michiganders, and we will work hard to support them through Election Day.”
As part of its endorsements, AFP-MI will use its statewide grassroots network to educate and engage voters on the issues at stake in these races and encourage support for candidates who will advance freedom and opportunity for all Michiganders.
Read about the candidates below:
State Sen. Michael Webber (SD-9)
Webber has proven to be a solid partner in the Legislature on many of AFP-MI’s priorities. Education is a top priority of his, and on labor he has cosponsored Right to Work legislation and taken positive stances on occupational licensing reform — changes that make it easier for Michiganders to find work and build careers in the fields they choose.
John Goldwater (SD-12)
Goldwater is a father of six who has built and operated a variety of businesses. He brings real potential as a policy partner on education and energy, where he wants to see expanded choice for families and consumers alike. As a former homeschool parent and current public-school father, Goldwater opposes a one-size-fits-all education system and supports greater parental involvement in schooling decisions. On energy, he has called for increasing supply and expanding options to bring costs down for Michigan households.
Ryan Berman (SD-13)
Former Rep. Ryan Berman built an aligned voting record in the House across regulations, taxes, spending, health care, labor, and education, and he would carry that record with him to the Senate. Berman lists regulatory relief among his top three priorities and has been a consistent advocate for removing the burdens that slow Michigan’s economy. Education likewise ranks among his top priorities, and he is well positioned to be a partner on education initiatives in the upper chamber.
State Sen. Mark Huizenga (SD-30)
Huizenga has proven to be a policy partner throughout his time in the state Legislature. He is aligned on labor and education, where he supports fewer regulations and lower barriers to entry. Huizenga has taken multiple aligned votes on labor, supports Right to Work, and backs lowering occupational licensing barriers so more Michiganders can put their skills to work. He has named education a top priority and opposes greater regulation of education alternatives that give families options.
Kim Cole (SD-32)
Kim Cole has spent his career in public service in Mason County, beginning as a reserve deputy in 1985 and rising through the ranks to serve as Sheriff. He is positioned to be a reliable coalition member across multiple issue areas. Cutting taxes is a priority for him, and he supports efforts to phase out the state income tax. On spending, Cole believes government should live within its means and supports sensible budgets and spending reforms. He is also aligned on foundational education, supporting greater accountability in public schools and opposing increased regulation of charter and online schools.