Republicans wrest back control of Michigan House, providing a check on Whitmer’s power

Michigan Capitol | Susan J. Demas

Michigan Republicans have regained control of the Michigan House, ending Democrats’ complete control in Lansing that was achieved in 2022.  

Going into Tuesday’s election, Democrats enjoyed a slim 56-54 advantage in the House. But Republicans were able to flip four Democratic districts. In January, the GOP will have a 58-52 majority and be a check on Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s power.

“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,” said House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.). “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.”

Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) Chair state Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), echoed Hall’s statement.

“Tonight’s victory shows that Michiganders trust Republicans to lead our state toward a brighter future. They want a government that listens, that acts with integrity and that is accountable to the people. We are ready to deliver on those promises and restore balance to Michigan’s government,” said Schuette.

One of the districts Republicans won to secure their majority is the 27th District, which is held by Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte). Churches lost to Republican challenger Rylee Linting, 58% to 42% in unofficial returns. Linting is the former youth chair of the Michigan Republican Party, who currently serves as a field representative for Turning Point Action, the right-wing organization run by Charlie Kirk.

The 44th District is currently held by Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), who was decisively defeated 60% to 40% by Republican Steve Frisbie, a longtime paramedic who has served as a Calhoun County commissioner for the past 13 years. 

In the 58th District, state Rep. Democrat Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) lost to GOP challenger Ron Robinson, 54% to 46%. Robinson is a Utica City Council member, realtor and Marine veteran of the Gulf War. 

And finally, the 109th House District was lost by Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). Former television meteorologist Karl Bohnak earned 51% to her 49%.

Meanwhile, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), who will be giving up the gavel in January, released a statement Wednesday morning once the outcome was clear.

“House Democrats left everything on the field over the past months to maintain the majority.  Our incumbents and candidates put their blood, sweat and tears into their campaigns and I am proud of the work they did to earn votes,” said Tate.“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.  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.”

In their two years in the majority, combined with a 20-18 lead in the Senate, Democrats got a lengthy list of progressive legislation passed including ending Right to Work, implementing gun safety measures, expanding state civil rights protections to include gender identity, and eliminating the state’s 1931 ban on abortion.

On that last point, Right to Life of Michigan President Amber Roseboom said the results of Tuesday’s election speak for themselves. 

“The Democrats’ strategy this year was to weaponize the abortion issue in hopes of big wins at the polls. That strategy failed. Michigan voters, and voters across the country, issued a resounding repudiation of the radical abortion-obsessed agenda of the left,” said Roseboom. “Voters came out in historic numbers to elect candidates who demonstrated the courage and commitment to stand for commonsense protections for Michiganders, safeguards like parental consent and limits on taxpayer funding for elective abortion.” 

McDonald Rivet defends Michigan’s 8th Congressional District for Democrats

With Republicans back in control of the House, it is unlikely any further progressive priorities will get through the chamber, whether they pass through the state Senate or not. 

The Senate is not up for reelection until 2026 and remains controlled by Democrats. However, Democrats are about to lose one member in a swing seat, state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), who won her race in the 8th Congressional District. That special election can be expected to be a bruising, high-spending fight.

Another factor this year were several House districts that were redrawn on the order of a federal court late last year, after it found more than a dozen metro Detroit House and Senate districts were unconstitutional in how they were drawn.

In all, seven House districts had to be redrawn first in order to be ready for this November’s election, while six districts in the Senate map were redrawn last as none of those seats will be up for election until 2026.