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What’s next for Michigan after Republicans end Democratic trifecta in Lansing?

Michigan Republicans to win back control of House

FILE - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File) (Al Goldis, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

DETROIT – Michigan Republicans are poised to win back control of the House of Representatives, ending the Democrat’s trifecta in Lansing for the past two years.

“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. “With a Republican majority, Michigan will have a stronger voice fighting for the values of hardworking families and addressing the issues that matter most: safe schools and neighborhoods, an affordable economy, and a government that provides value for dollars.”

Ahead of the election, Democrats had a slim majority. Republicans only needed to flip two seats.

House Democrats ready to work with Republicans

House Democrats said they’re prepared to work with House Republicans.

“Come January, we will look for every opportunity to work with our Republican colleagues in a bipartisan manner to put the people of Michigan first,” Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) said in a statement. “We will fulfill our duty as the voice of reason and do our best to make our mark on legislation that moves through the state legislature.”

Gov. Whitmer’s agenda

Before the 2022 midterms, the Democrats hadn’t had control of both chambers of the legislature and the governor’s office in nearly four decades.

While in power, Michigan Democrats passed sweeping reforms involving right to work, reproductive health, gun control, and voting and elections.

With Republicans reclaiming the majority, it will impact Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ability to move on her agenda in her final two years in office.

The governor’s office has not responded yet to a request for comment.

Elections for the Michigan State Senate take place every four years, unlike those for the Michigan House of Representatives, which take place every two years.


About the Author
Will Jones headshot

Will Jones rejoined the Local 4 News team in February 2023 as a weekend anchor and reporter. He previously worked as a general assignment reporter for the station from 2012 to 2015.

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