by Scott McClallen
Michigan Democrats have regained the House after a Tuesday special election.
The wins give Democrats a 56-54 House majority from the victories of Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong in the 13th and 25th state House districts.
Xiong won with 65% of the vote while Herzberg captured about 59% of the vote.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted on social media:
“Congrats to our newest state representatives – @MaiXiongMI and Peter Herzberg! Together, we’ll continue to get things done for Michiganders across the state. Let’s get to work!”
The seats were opened after Democrat Reps. Lori Stone of Warren and Kevin Coleman of Westland won mayoral races leaving a 54-54 deadlock in the House.
Xiong welcomed the win.
“I am incredibly humbled for the overwhelming support of the voters of the 13th House District, who have chosen me to represent our community as the next State Representative,” Xiong posted on social media.
The two-vote advantage will allow Democrats to continue substantial policy changes after voters gave them a political trifecta in 2022 – control of the House, Senate and governor’s seat for the first time in 40 years.
Since then, the Legislature has enacted a 100% clean energy rule by 2040, expanded access to college funding programs and provided targeted tax relief to retirees and families.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams said the results delivered a “clear rebuke” of the GOP.
“Voters want their fundamental freedoms protected, and tonight’s elections delivered a clear rebuke of GOP extremism and attacks on reproductive care,” Williams said in a statement. “With tonight’s wins, Speaker Joe Tate and the Democratic majority can continue Democrats’ important progress in Michigan. Momentum is on our side in Michigan and across the country, and the DLCC is committed to making 2024 the year of the states.”
In her State of the State speech, Whitmer targeted policies including a “Michigan guarantee” that “Every single Michigander can count on a free public education from pre-K through community college, a $5,000 tax credit for caregivers caring for an aging or sick relative and a $2,000 electric vehicle tax credit for union-made vehicles.
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Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi. In 2021, he published a book on technology and privacy. He co-hosts the weekly Michigan in Focus podcast.
Photo “Mai Xiong” by Mai Xiong. Photo “Peter Herzberg” by Peter Herzberg for State Rep.
