Brown seeks second term as U-M regent

Paul Brown, a Democrat and incumbent University of Michigan regent, is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Six candidates are competing for two eight-year seats, according to the Michigan Department of State’s candidate list. Michigan voters may choose up to two candidates in the statewide race for the board that governs the university, including its Dearborn campus.

The Birmingham-Bloomfield Bulletin candidate questionnaire was sent to Paul Brown’s campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 29, 2026. The policy positions below are drawn from his public campaign website and public records.

The other candidates are Democrat Amir Makled, Republicans Lena Epstein and Michael Schostak, Libertarian Andrew Chadderdon and Kyle Maas of the U.S. Taxpayers Party.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic.
Office sought: University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Education: Bachelor’s degree and MBA, University of Michigan; law degree, Wayne State University.
Background: Raised in northern Michigan.
Family: Married to Nicole, with two children.

His education and family information appear in his university biography.

Experience and public service

Brown was elected to the Board of Regents in 2018 and served as chair in 2022–23, according to his university biography.

He is a managing partner at eLab Ventures. Before joining the board, he taught finance and entrepreneurship as a non-tenure-track faculty member at the University of Michigan’s engineering school.

His public-sector experience includes serving as vice president of capital markets at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation under Govs. Jennifer Granholm and Rick Snyder.

Earlier, Brown practiced law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in New York. He began his legal career as a clerk for U.S. District Judge John O’Meara in the Eastern District of Michigan.

On the issues

The following positions come from Brown’s campaign website.

Education and health care affordability: Brown says he wants to expand access to education and health care for working families. His campaign identifies college affordability as a central reason for seeking another term.

“Paul is focused on increasing the access and affordability of education and healthcare for working families in Michigan,” his website states.

Workers’ rights: Brown emphasizes his union background and says he supports stronger protections for university employees. His campaign points to his experience teaching as a member of the Lecturers’ Employee Organization.

Climate and economic development: Brown supports the university’s transition toward carbon neutrality. He also emphasizes its role in employment, research, business development and Michigan’s economy.

Students and patients: Brown’s campaign identifies protecting students, workers and patients from federal policies he opposes as a priority. It also emphasizes patient privacy.