MI Democrats Lose State House Majority After Mayoral Victories

MICHIGAN — After re-taking full control of Lansing for the first time in 40 years, Democrats lost their slim lead in the state House of Representatives in Tuesday's municipal elections.

Two Democratic state representatives, Lori Stone and Kevin Coleman, won mayoral races Tuesday in their own metro Detroit district, dropping Democrats' House lead from 56-54 to an even 54-54. Although Democrats still control the agenda in Lansing, they lost their voting advantage.

The two metro Detroit districts (Warren-area and Westland-area) will have a special election to fill the vacant state House seat, but that election can be months away. The governor can call for the special election, or wait until the next general election to fill the vacant seat, according to Michigan law.

With full control in Lansing, Democrats passed numerous measures, including gun safety laws, expanding voting rights, free meals for all students and increased protections for abortion rights and LGTBQ+ people.

The entire Michigan House of Representatives will be up for election in next year’s November general election. The next governor's race will be in 2026.