Savit leads Lloyd in Michigan race

Polls have closed in most of Michigan. Democrat Eli Savit currently leads Republican Doug Lloyd in the attorney general election.

The race determines the successor to Dana Nessel. Nessel, a Democrat, has served two terms and cannot run again. Most voting locations shut at 8 p.m. Some polls in the Upper Peninsula remain open until 9 p.m. due to the time zone difference.

Savit has served as Washtenaw County prosecutor since 2020. He stated he will focus on consumer protection. He plans to continue fighting wage theft, price gouging, and fraud. He supports gun laws that ban bump stocks and ghost guns. He also backs Michigan's safe storage and red flag laws.

Lloyd served as Eaton County prosecutor for more than two decades. He described his record as proven experience and trusted leadership. He said he won reelection in the politically divided mid-Michigan county by appealing to moderates. Lloyd supports repealing the state's red flag law. He wants the Legislature to pass a constitutional carry law that allows residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

Campaign fundraising numbers show a gap between the candidates. Savit reported receiving $2.3 million in donations. Lloyd reported receiving $1.2 million. Democrats argued Lloyd would support decisions from President Donald Trump's final two years in office. Republicans criticized Savit for policies in Washtenaw County. Those policies decriminalized consensual sex work and psychedelic mushrooms. They also limited cash bail.

Polls throughout the campaign showed the candidates in a statistical dead heat. Recent polls indicate Savit has a slight edge. The winner will take office after the current term-limited attorney general leaves.