Kenneth Massey

Kenneth Massey is the Republican candidate for Michigan State Senate District 8 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent Democrat Dayna Polehanki.[1][2] A scientist, he said in a Ballotpedia survey that he is senior director of venture development and an adjunct professor of pharmacology at Wayne State University and served on the Farmington Hills City Council from 2003 to 2023, including two terms as mayor.[1][3]

Kenneth Massey graduated from North Farmington High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1984 and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, Southwestern in 1989.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described more than 35 years of biomedical research, business and governance experience, including time as a managing director of a medical-device investment firm and as a scientist and director in the clinical cardiovascular group at Pfizer.[3] He said he completed post-doctoral training at the University of Arizona and the Michigan Hospital Association's Fellowship in Hospital Governance, chairs the MichBio board, and has served on the board of Botsford Hospital (now Corewell Health) since 2006.[3]

Massey advanced from the August 4, 2026 Republican primary without opposition.[1] He listed three campaign messages in the survey: economic opportunity, including lower taxes and improved reading and math proficiency; safe, healthy communities, including support for law enforcement and mental health care; and protecting liberty and responsible government.[3] He named health, safety and welfare, mental health, education improvement and economic development as his policy interests.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.