Native Vote 2026
Diop Harris, who is a tribal citizen of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, has become the first candidate to submit signatures to qualify for the ballot in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, marking an early milestone in the race ahead of the August 4 primary.
Harris is seeking the Democratic nomination to run against incumbent Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI). In the Democratic primary, he faces Michigan State Senator Sean McCann (Citizen Potawatomi Nation).
Harris submitted the required signatures Monday to the Michigan Board of Elections. The Board of Canvassers is expected to meet later in May to vote on certifying candidates for the primary ballot.
The campaign said its early submission reflects a broad grassroots effort across the district, which spans six counties in southwest Michigan. Harris and his team traveled extensively throughout the region, organizing volunteer-led canvassing efforts to collect more than 2,000 signatures.
“This is a milestone—but it’s also a signal,” said Harris. “We’ve done the groundwork. We’ve built a team that is homegrown and dedicated to reaching out to every mile of this district. We’ve listened to voters on what they want the future of Southwest Michigan to look like. And now, it’s crunch time.”
With the signature threshold met, the campaign is shifting into its next phase, focusing on expanding voter engagement and increasing its presence across the district. Harris plans to host a series of online town halls aimed at bringing policy discussions directly to constituents. Additional campaign activities will include community events such as a golf outing and a district-wide walk.
Harris is positioning his campaign as a “people-powered movement,” centered on issues including universal healthcare access, corporate and utility accountability, and increased investment in local communities. His platform emphasizes lowering costs, expanding economic opportunity, and supporting working families and small businesses throughout southwest Michigan.
“This campaign has always been about possibility,” Harris added. “A future where people feel heard, communities feel supported, and where our leadership shows up, works hard, and answers to the people.”
The Michigan primary election is scheduled for Aug. 4.
