Photo: Matthew Dae Smith ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
LANSING, Nov. 9, 2023 ~ Michigan Democrats lost their 56-54 majority in the State House this week after two Democrats won mayoral races that will require them to step down as representatives, rushing the party to pass legislation before the House adjourns for the year and the new mayors swear into their roles.
With 100% of the precincts reporting, unofficial election results show that State Rep. Kevin Coleman won his mayoral race in Westland and State Rep. Lori Stone replaced longtime and controversial Mayor Jim Fouts with her win, leaving the House at a temporary split of 54-54. Democrats will still have control over the chamber’s agenda, though will not have the voting advantage it won in 2022 to enact sweeping legislation over LGBTQ+ rights, gun reform, and repealing the state’s “Right to Work” law.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has the power to call for a special election to replace Coleman and Stone, whose districts strongly favor Democrats, though she has not announced any decision on the races.
PODCAST:
Nov. 9, 2023 ~ Marjorie Steele, founder of the Economic Development Responsibility Alliance of Michigan, talks with Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds about the future of the Gotion project in Big Rapids after several local officials were removed in this week’s election.
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