MI Democrats Poised To Control State Legislature: Reports

MICHIGAN — Democrats are poised to retake the state legislature for the first time in nearly 40 years, creating a governing "trifecta" with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's reelection victory, according to Associated Press projections.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee said it flipped enough seats to retake the House, and it appears Democrats will retake the Senate, as they were leading or had won in 19 of the 38 districts, according to the Associated Press. If Democrats hold the seats, it will be the first time since 1984 Democrats will control both chambers.

"After spending years trying to eviscerate public education budgets, ban abortion, and overturn elections, Michigan Republicans got what they deserved," DLCC President Jessica Post said. "Voters from all across the state came out in droves for state Democrats, letting the Republican Party know loud and clear that the majority of Michiganders won’t stand for MAGA extremism. The new Democratic majority is ready to get to work addressing the issues that matter most to the people of Michigan and their families."

Michigan's congressional districts were redrawn by an independent commission following the 2020 U.S. Census, ideally giving Democrats a chance to seize both chambers, which they seemingly did Tuesday.

Democrats Whitmer, Nessel and Benson were also projected to win top statewide offices. Elissa Slotkin was projected to hold onto a tough seat centering around Ingham County, and Hillary Scholten was projected to flip a western Michigan seat previously held by Republican Peter Meijer.

Democrats also retained their 4-3 advantage on the Michigan Supreme Court after incumbents Republican Brian Zahra and Democrat Richard Bernstein each won re-election, according to projections by The Associated Press.