Dayna Polehanki
Democratic · MI · Michigan State Senator, District 5
Dayna Polehanki is a Democratic candidate for Michigan State Senate District 8 and a sitting Michigan state senator. She has served in the Senate since 2019, is Senate Democratic Majority Caucus Chair, chairs the Senate Education Committee, and previously taught high school for nearly 20 years.
Campaign Finance Information — State Senator District 8
Campaign Finance Information · State Senator District 8 · August 4, 2026
Data last updated July 27, 2026
- Raised
- $135,080
Top disclosed occupations of direct donors
- NOT EMPLOYED$17,098
- PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS$4,900
- CEO$2,450
- RETIRED$2,250
Show 1 more
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST$2,050
Direct contributions by size
- $1,000-$4,999$67,250
- $500-$999$27,900
- $250-$499$20,100
- $100-$249$10,911
- $1-$99$8,919
Source: Michigan Campaign Finance · 2026 cycle · mi-boe.entellitrak.com
Track record
Social Programs and Welfare
· 1 record
On June 2, 2026, the Senate Education Committee chaired by Dayna Polehanki advanced her bills to make Michigan's universal free school-meals program permanent.
June 2, 2026For
Source: senatedems.com · researched July 11, 2026
Public Education Quality
· 1 record
On January 22, 2026, the Michigan Senate passed Dayna Polehanki's bipartisan bill restricting student cell-phone use during instructional time.
January 22, 2026For
Source: senatedems.com · researched July 11, 2026
Gun Control
· 1 record
On May 27, 2022, Dayna Polehanki publicly opposed arming teachers and stated support for red-flag, magazine-capacity, universal-background-check, and safe-storage laws.
May 27, 2022For
Source: clickondetroit.com · researched July 11, 2026
Personal Income Tax Reduction
· 1 record
On January 26, 2023, Dayna Polehanki voted for Senate Bills 1 and 3, advancing a working-families tax credit and pension-tax repeal package.
January 26, 2023For
Source: senatedems.com · researched July 11, 2026
Civil Rights
· 1 record
On June 7, 2022, Dayna Polehanki walked out of a Senate Education Committee hearing to protest House Bill 5097's proposed restrictions on teaching about race and discrimination.
June 7, 2022For
Source: senatedems.com · researched July 11, 2026
General
· 1 record
On January 12, 2023, Dayna Polehanki was appointed chair of the Michigan Senate Education Committee.
January 12, 2023
Source: senatedems.com · researched July 11, 2026
Integrity and Ethics
· 1 record
Michigan League of Conservation Voters' public tracker records $22,000 in corporate-utility PAC contributions to Dayna Polehanki since she took office, including multiple dated 2025 contributions.
December 31, 2025
Source: michiganlcv.org · researched July 11, 2026
Elections
- State Senator District 8 · August 4, 2026 · State Senate District 8; Michigan
Profile last researched July 11, 2026.