Updates About Legislature

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.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) concluded its deliberations on a redrawn Southeast Michigan State Senate map, selecting the Crane map through a ranked choice vote. This map, backed by commissioners from different political affiliations, garnered the highest points and will now be submitted to a federal judicial panel for final approval. Under the Crane map, the Commission outlined 16 likely Democratic seats, 15 likely Republican seats, and 7 swing districts across Southeast Michigan. Notably, the map avoids pitting incumbent senators against each other and includes districts predominantly centered around Detroit. Here are some key features of the Crane map:

• District 1: New Detroit seat in 2026, including River Rouge, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, and Southgate.
• District 2: New Dearborn seat in 2026, encompassing Dearborn Heights, Melvindale, Allen Park, and half of Taylor.
• District 3: New Detroit seat with Hamtramck and Highland Park
• District 4: 56.8% Democratic Downriver district
• District 5: New Canton, Westland, Plymouth seat with a 60.6% Democratic base
• District 6: Detroit district with Redford Township
• District 7: New Southfield district
• District 8: Livonia/Northville/Farmington Hills-based district
• District 9: Rochester/Troy district including half of Sterling Heights
• District 10: Royal Oak district
• District 11: Safe Democratic district with the addition of half of Warren
• District 12: Will continue to be a 50/50 swing district
• District 13: Democratic district including Milford, Lyon, Lyon Township, parts of Novi, Waterford, and Commerce Township
• District 23: Solidly Republican district within Oakland County
• District 24: Solidly Republican district within Macomb County

The MICRC’s efforts follow Federal Court Orders to redraw the House and Senate maps due to constitutional concerns identified last year. The House map was approved this past spring. To see the map impacting 15 House dstricts, see FEDERAL COURT APPROVES DETROIT REDISTRICTING MAP.