Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midterms
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Chedrick Greene won a special election for Michigan's 35th Senate District, maintaining Democratic control of the state Senate during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's remaining term.
- Greene, a firefighter and Marine veteran, defeated Republican Jason Tunney in a district that includes Saginaw and Bay City, an area seen as a political microcosm of the Midwest.
- The victory preserves the Democrats' narrow 19-18 majority in the state Senate, crucial for advancing their legislative agenda before Whitmer leaves office in January.
- The special election was closely watched as a potential indicator for the upcoming midterm elections, with Democrats investing heavily and high-profile figures campaigning in the district.
- Despite Republican Donald Trump carrying the counties in the 2024 presidential race, the district remains competitive due to its diverse voter base, including union-affiliated and Black voters in urban areas.
