Two candidates with sharply different visions are competing for the open Michigan Senate District 15 seat covering Ann Arbor. Democrat Felicia Brabec of Pittsfield Township faces Republican Jason Rogers of Saline in the Nov. 3 general election, with the winner serving a four-year term in Lansing.

The seat opened because state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, is term-limited. The district includes the southern half of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline and extends into Lenawee and Monroe counties, according to MLive. MLive described it as "heavily Democratic" in its Aug. 4 primary coverage.

Absentee ballots began arriving in mailboxes Thursday, Sept. 24.

The candidates

Brabec, a clinical psychologist and lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, served two terms in the Michigan House from 2021 to 2024 and previously served as a Washtenaw County commissioner. She won the Aug. 4 Democratic primary with about 76% of the vote over Michael White. Rogers, a software engineer who chairs the Washtenaw County Republican Party, ran unopposed in the GOP primary.

Where they differ

In a candidate questionnaire published by MLive in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund, the two staked out contrasting ground.

Affordability: Brabec pointed to her House votes expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, rolling back the pension tax and investing tens of millions of dollars in affordable housing. Rogers said he favors cutting income and property taxes, reducing regulations on small businesses and increasing housing supply.

Energy: Brabec said she voted for Michigan's 100% renewable energy standard by 2040 and supports addressing PFAS and 1,4-dioxane contamination. Rogers said he opposes renewable mandates and supports expanding nuclear power and what he called "clean fossil fuels."

In a Sept. 11 Michigan Public report on progressive Democrats' statewide prospects, Rogers framed the contest in partisan terms. "Republicans remain the real big-tent party for those left behind by the Democrats' radical turn," he said.

How to vote

Voters on Michigan's permanent mail ballot list began receiving absentee ballots Sept. 24, according to The Arab American News. Others can request one online, by mail or at their local clerk's office.

The deadline to register online or by mail is Oct. 19. After that, residents must register in person at their clerk's office, which they can do through Election Day. Early in-person voting runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. Polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.