After special elections on Tuesday, April 16, Michigan Democrats have officially regained control of the state House of Representatives. The winning of two open seats by Democrats potentially ends months of legislative gridlock. The seats were previously vacated, leading to an even split in the chamber among the parties.
Democrats once again officially control the entire Michigan state government. Mai Xiong was victorious in the 13th District, covering Warren and part of Detroit, while Peter Herzberg triumphed in the 25th District, encompassing Wayne and Westland.
Both candidates were favored in their heavily Democrat-leaning districts, with Ms. Xiong securing 65 percent of the vote against her Republican challenger, while Mr. Herzberg secured 60 percent of the vote against his Republican challenger, according to unofficial election results.
Democratic Party Agenda
As of 2022, Democrats controlled both houses of the state’s legislative bodies for the first time in almost 40 years, securing unified government control with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also winning reelection that year.The chamber has been locked in a 54-54 partisan split since two Democrat seats were vacated as they were elected in mayoral elections, according to the Associated Press (AP). This split slowed down legislative action, according to the AP, as Republicans unsuccessfully sought a coalition agreement.
Since the House was deadlocked, Republicans had tried to pass bipartisan “government transparency” legislation, opening up the legislature and governor to public records requests, according to the AP.
The two elected officials, who won their primaries in January, will be sworn in quickly to fill their partial terms through the end of the year.
Mr. Herzberg thanked his supporters in a post on Facebook, saying he was ready to hit the ground running.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
As attention shifts to governing, lawmakers will face pressing issues, including the crafting of a state budget.Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget aims to prioritize education and affordability, with initiatives such as free community college for high school graduates and universal preschool for 4-year-olds.
Additionally, discussions on expanding hate crime laws and enhancing school safety measures are expected to gain momentum.
Reactions
The Democratic Party’s state legislature campaign arm, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), praised the elections of the two Democrats.“Democrats just held control of the Michigan House after winning two critical special elections tonight,” the DLCC posted on X. “This means the state’s Dem trifecta has been protected, and will be able to continue making progress for their constituents.”
Before the election, the organization said their wins would allow Democrats to continue to take actions they have taken with trifecta leadership, such as passing red flag laws, eliminating asset tests for food assistance, expanding Medicaid, and passing abortion protections.
DLCC communications director Abhi Rahman said the election was a “referendum” on the Democrat trifecta in government, noting Michigan “will remain a top priority as we head into November and the DLCC builds Democratic state power across the country.”
All of the Michigan House will be up for reelection later this year and the swing state will also be essential to the presidential election.