The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to stay a lower court’s ruling that mandates Michigan’s redistricting commission to redraw political district maps for the Detroit area by spring. In response to the December 21 ruling invalidating 13 House and Senate districts in metro Detroit, the Michigan Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson hoped for a pause in the redrawing process while appealing the decision. The redistricting process follows a successful challenge by a group of metro Detroiters who argued that commissioners improperly used racial data to diminish the influence of Black voters.

The affected districts, deemed unconstitutional by a three-judge panel, include seven House districts and six Senate districts, all currently held by Democrats. Despite Jocelyn Benson’s request, the Supreme Court’s decision means the mapmakers are now required to deliver a draft of new House districts by February 2, aligning with the upcoming 2024 elections. The court will be approving new districts by March 29.

¶Affected Districts:

• House District 1 — Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit)

• House District 7 — Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit)

• House District 8 — Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park)

• House District 10 — House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit)

• House District 11 — Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods)

• House District 12 — Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe)

• House District 14 — Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit)

• Senate District 1 — Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor)

• Senate District 3 — Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit)

• Senate District 6 — Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township)

• Senate District 8 — Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak)

• Senate District 10 — Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren)

• Senate District 11 — Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe)

State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh has shifted her political aspirations by withdrawing from the U.S. Senate race to pursue the soon-to-be vacant seat left by retiring U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee in Michigan’s 8th U.S. House District. Pugh’s decision to shift gears removes her from the Senate race and positions her as the inaugural Democrat to officially vie for the 8th District seat.

Simultaneously, Matthew Felan, president and CEO of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance and incumbent president of the Bay City school board, has signaled contemplation of a potential run for the same congressional seat.

In response to State Representatives Lori Stone and Kevin Coleman each winning their local mayoral races, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially called for a special election to fill the two House vacancies. The Governor emphasized the importance of swiftly establishing representation for the 13th and 25th districts through a special primary election slated for January 30, 2024 and the general election on April 16, 2024.The dates of these elections indicate that the House will have an even split of 54-54 seats until at least mid-April. Whitmer expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the future Representatives in the upcoming 2024 legislative session.