Come January, the Democratic trifecta in Lansing will be over.
Republicans reclaimed control of the Michigan House of Representatives with a 58 to 52 majority.
“Our hard-fought victory reaffirms that the people of Michigan want leaders who put them first, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for accountability at every level of government.” House Republican Leader Matt Hall said in a statement.
“I suspect we will see the new house Republican majority pass a number of its priorities kind of knowing they are probably dead on arrival in the Democratic Senate,” Gongwer News Service Michigan President Zach Gorchow said.
Gongwer News Service Michigan focuses on state government and politics.
Gorchow said he expects bills moving through the Legislature to come to a crawl.
“Historically when we have a divided legislature like this, things slow way down,” said Gorchow. “It will move toward nonpartisan issues, things that don’t raise the partisan hackles.”
Following the 2022 midterms, Michigan Democrats took control over both chambers and the governor’s office for the first time in four decades and passed sweeping reforms regarding reproductive health, the right to work, and gun violence.
“But now, with Republican control of the House starting in January, that all comes to an end,” said Gorchow. “Nothing can get to the governor’s desk without Republican support.”
Current House Speaker Joe Tate said House Democrats plan to work with House Republicans in a bipartisan manner.
“The results of the election represent an opportunity to regroup and rebuild over the coming term, said Tate, who is a Detroit native. “House Democrats will put in the work to regain our majority.”
The shifting balance of power in Lansing will impact Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s final two years in office and possibly any presidential aspirations.
“Any big priorities that she wants to get done, it is going to be very difficult,” Gorchow said. “A Republican House is going to be very mindful that any big successes, policy successes, for the governor could be converted to presidential campaign issues in the 2028 election.”
Whitmer responded to the election results Wednesday by touting her bipartisan record.
“I’m willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems, and I look forward to collaborating with the incoming majority on our shared goals from infrastructure to economic development,” said Whitmer in a statement.