Democrats secured a majority in the Michigan House and regained full control of state government following victories in two special elections. Mai Xiong emerged victorious in the 13th District, encompassing Warren and part of Detroit, while Peter Herzberg claimed the win in the 25th District, which includes Wayne and Westland. Both candidates, running in heavily Democratic districts, were successful in their bids.
The Michigan House had been deadlocked at 54-54 between Democratic and Republican lawmakers since November, when two Democratic representatives vacated their seats after winning mayoral races in their respective hometowns. The 2022 midterms saw Democrats flipping both chambers and maintaining control of the governor's office, marking the party's first trifecta in 40 years. In their first year, Democrats swiftly moved to reverse longstanding Republican policies and advance their agenda, notably reforming the state's gun laws.
During the deadlock, Republicans focused on passing legislation they deemed bipartisan, such as a government transparency package aimed at increasing public access to legislative and executive records. With the recent wins by Democratic candidates, the party will hold control until the year's end, with all House seats up for reelection in November.
Xiong, a Macomb County commissioner endorsed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Herzberg, a Westland City Council member who defeated a Whitmer-backed candidate in the primary, are now set to join the House.
Lawmakers are now turning their attention to the state budget, with a self-imposed deadline of July 1. Governor Whitmer has called for an $80 billion budget that includes initiatives like free community college for high school graduates and free preschool for 4-year-olds. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding expanding hate crime laws and enacting a comprehensive school safety package following the tragic 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School.
Time is of the essence for lawmakers, as they are scheduled to begin a summer break at the end of June, with representatives gearing up for reelection campaigns in their districts.
