Updates About Legislature

Rep. Matt Hall (R-Richland) has been selected by his Republican colleagues to serve as the next Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 term. With Republicans holding a 58-52 majority, Hall, currently the Minority Leader, will lead the chamber during a pivotal period where Democrats will continue to hold majority in the Senate and Governor’s Office. Hall has had a steady record of keeping his caucus unified.

Meanwhile, House Democrats are looking ahead to a new chapter of leadership under Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), who has been elected as the next Minority Leader. Aiming to foster unity within the party, Puri’s leadership comes after current Democratic Speaker Joe Tate announced he will not be seeking another term. Puri, a member of the legislature since 2020, has emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic decision-making within his caucus. As Minority Leader, he is focused on reshaping the caucus culture and working across the aisle with the Republican majority, all while preparing for future campaigns to regain the Democratic trifecta in Michigan.

Former President Donald Trump achieved a decisive victory in Michigan, winning 49.7% of the vote and flipping key Democratic counties. This marks his comeback to the presidency, outperforming his 2020 numbers by securing more support in areas like Wayne and Macomb counties, which showed substantial shifts toward Republicans. Trump’s 2024 Michigan win represents a more commanding margin than his slim victory in 2016, with a 9-point pickup in Wayne County and a 6-point increase in Macomb.

Republicans also seized control of the Michigan House of Representatives, winning a 58-52 majority and breaking the historic Democratic trifecta that was achieved in 2022. Key victories included flipping the seats of four Democratic incumbents:

1. Rep. Nate Shannon (Sterling Heights, District 58) will be replaced by Rep.-elect Ron Robinson
2. Rep. Jim Haadsma (Battle Creek, District 44) lost to Rep.-elect Steve Frisbie
3. Rep. Jaime Churches (Wyandotte, District 27) will be succeeded by Rep.-elect Rylee Linting
4. Rep. Jenn Hill (Marquette, District 109) was upset by Rep.-elect Karl Bohnak

However, in the U.S. Senate race, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin prevailed against Republican challenger Mike Rogers, making history with Michigan’s closest Senate race to date. Slotkin’s victory was a standout for Democrats, who faced steep competition amidst a red surge statewide. The swing state surprised many when former state Senator Curtis Hertel was defeated by his Republican opponent and former colleague, Senator Tom Barrett, for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Other notable results in the U.S. House include incumbent Hillary Scholten and current state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet both overcame their Republican contenders for spots in the 3rd and 8th districts, respectively.

Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) have been appointed as the new Campaign Finance co-chairs for the Michigan House Democratic Fund, filling the vacancies left by Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) and Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) emphasized their track record as effective legislators dedicated to advancing Democratic values as a top reason for his decision. Brabec expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting her dedication to expanding the Democratic majority and building on legislative achievements. Tsernoglou emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming election and pledged to leverage her experience to strengthen the party’s position in Michigan.