Biography
Kim Cole is the Republican candidate for Michigan State Senate District 32, having defeated Max Riekse in the August 4, 2026 Republican primary; the Democratic nominee is Rebecca Amidon.[1][2] In a Ballotpedia survey, Cole said he is serving his fourth term as Mason County Sheriff after a 41-year career in law enforcement.[3]
Cole graduated from Ludington High School and earned an associate degree from West Shore Community College in 1984.[1] He said in the survey that he is a past president of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association, was named its 2021 Michigan Sheriff of the Year, and sits on the board of directors of the National Sheriffs' Association.[3]
Cole listed his campaign messages as affordability and local decision-making, support for crime victims and law enforcement, and safe schools, streets and communities, including opposition to cashless bail and support for school resource officers.[3] His listed endorsers include Right to Life Michigan, the Michigan Chamber, the NRA and more than 70 sheriffs.[3]
- 1.Kim Cole (Michigan State Senate candidate) - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Michigan State Senate elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Kim Cole - Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey responses (2026) · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Michigan Senate District 32
Kim Cole is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Michigan Senate District 32 as R. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.