Eli Savit Holds Early Lead in Michigan AG Contest

Democratic challenger Eli Savit holds an early lead in the Michigan attorney general race following the closing of polls in most parts of the state on Tuesday. Republican candidate Doug Lloyd trails his opponent in initial results, though voting continues until 9 p.m. in select Upper Peninsula precincts due to time zone differences.

The election determines the successor to Dana Nessel, a Democrat whose term ends this year. The candidates present distinct approaches to criminal justice. Savit, who has served as Washtenaw County prosecutor since 2020, emphasizes consumer protection and white-collar crime enforcement. His platform includes targeting wage theft, price gouging, and fraud. He supports specific gun regulations, including bans on bump stocks and ghost guns, and backs existing state safe storage and red flag laws.

Lloyd, a former Eaton County prosecutor with more than two decades of experience, positions himself as a traditional prosecutor focused on tough-on-crime policies. He highlights his ability to win reelection in a politically divided county by appealing to moderate voters. His proposals include repealing the state’s red flag law and enacting a constitutional carry statute. Under that measure, residents could carry concealed weapons without obtaining a prior permit.

Campaign rhetoric has centered on these policy divergences. Democrats argue that Lloyd would align closely with executive actions from the final two years of President Donald Trump’s administration. They contend he would act as a rubber stamp for those decisions. Republicans have focused on Savit’s tenure as county prosecutor. They cited his policies decriminalizing consensual sex work and the use of psychedelic mushrooms. They also pointed to his efforts to limit the use of cash bail.

Financial reporting shows Savit raised more than Lloyd during the campaign cycle. The Democrat reported cumulative donations of $2.3 million, while the Republican reported $1.2 million. Despite the fundraising advantage, the race remained statistically tied for much of the primary and general periods. More recent polling data indicated a slight edge for Savit, a trend that appears to have carried into the early vote tallies.

The outcome will set the tone for the state’s legal leadership for the next term. The winner will oversee the state’s top law enforcement office and handle major litigation involving state agencies and private entities. Final results are expected later in the day as the last ballots are counted.