Michigan Special Election Decides Senate Control

A special election in Michigan’s 35th State Senate District on Tuesday will determine whether Democrats retain their slim 19-18 majority in the state Senate for the final months of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s term. The race pits Democrat Chedrick Greene, a fire captain and former Marine, against Republican Jason Tunney, a former prosecutor, with Libertarian Ali Sledz also on the ballot. The district, located about 100 miles north of Detroit, includes Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. Whitmer, who is term-limited, has emphasized the importance of the election for the state’s legislative agenda before her departure in January 2025. Republicans have criticized the timing of the election, arguing Whitmer delayed calling it, leaving the district without representation for an extended period. The outcome is also seen as a bellwether for November’s midterms in this battleground state, with political insiders watching for clues about broader voter sentiment. Greene has campaigned on lowering costs and union support, while Tunney has highlighted his conservative values and local roots in Saginaw. The district has historically been a swing area, with Saginaw County backing the winning presidential candidate in each of the past five elections.