Michigan AG Race: Savit Leads Early

Democrat Eli Savit holds an early lead over Republican Doug Lloyd in the race for Michigan’s next attorney general. Most voting places in the state closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, although some locations in the Upper Peninsula remained open until 9 p.m. due to time zone differences.

The contest determines who will succeed Dana Nessel, a Democrat reaching the end of her term limit. The candidates present distinct philosophies on law enforcement. Lloyd, a long-time prosecutor in Eaton County, positions himself as a traditionalist focused on tough-on-crime strategies. Savit, who has served as Washtenaw County prosecutor since 2020, prioritizes criminal justice reform.

Savit stated he will concentrate on consumer protection and prosecuting white-collar offenses such as wage theft, price gouging, and fraud. He supports specific gun control measures, including bans on bump stocks and ghost guns, and backs existing state laws for safe storage and red flag orders.

Lloyd campaigns on the basis of his more than two decades of experience in Eaton County. He noted that his ability to appeal to moderates in a politically divided area helped him win reelection multiple times. Lloyd opposes the state’s red flag law, which he views as a form of confiscation, and wants the Legislature to pass a constitutional carry law allowing permitless concealed carry.

Republican critics argue that Lloyd would largely support decisions made during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s administration. Democrats countered that Savit’s record includes decriminalizing consensual sex work and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as limiting the use of cash bail.

Financially, Savit raised $2.3 million compared to Lloyd’s $1.2 million. Despite the fundraising gap, polls throughout the campaign showed the candidates in a statistical dead heat. Recent surveys indicate that Savit has gained a slight edge.

The next step is the official certification of results as the remaining Upper Peninsula polls close.