A challenger has stepped into the race for the Michigan Senate’s 22nd District. Assuming neither candidate faces a primary challenger, Democrat Rob Hower will face off against Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy in November 2026.
Rob Hower, a resident of Green Oak Township and a part-time engineering professor at Wayne State University, has filed as a Democrat for the seat currently held by State Sen. Lana Theis.
Theis has entered her second senate term, and also served as a state representative in the 42nd District for two terms. Because no one may serve more than 12 years between the chambers, Theis’ current term will be her last.
The 22nd District includes five counties: Livingston, Genesee, Ingham, Oakland and Shiawassee.
According to a press release, Hower is also a research engineer at the University of Michigan and the owner of Numed Technologies, LLC. His main priorities, if elected, are better schools and healthcare access.
Who is Rob Hower of Green Oak Township?
Hower has been a local resident for 22 years after moving to Green Oak Township from Washtenaw County. He and his wife were looking for a home between Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills and were drawn to the rural community.
While he’s always been an engaged voter, Hower said, this is his first time running as a candidate and — if elected — will be his first time holding public office.
When asked why he’s running, Hower quoted the phrase: “All that’s necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
“I decided I needed to step up and do something,” he said.
Hower understands the challenge of running as a Democrat in Livingston County, which is traditionally red, but hopes he can appeal to voters by speaking to them directly about their concerns, including the rising cost of healthcare and education and the daily impact of inflation.
He also supports preserving the area’s rural charm, including maintaining local control when it comes to developments like the data center recently proposed in Howell Township.
“My whole goal … is to work for (the constituents),” Hower said. “I need to first (do) what’s best for my constituents, then I need to (do) what’s best for the state of Michigan, because there’s always going to be compromise.”
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.
(This story was updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.)
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Michigan Senate candidate Rob Hower felt he needed to ‘step up and do something’
Reporting by Tess Ware, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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