In Tuesday’s special election in Michigan, Democrats won both House seats on the line, reclaiming control of the Michigan House.
Both candidates who won, Mai Xiong of the 13th District and Peter Herzberg of the 25th District, were in areas that heavily favored Democrats. Democrats are now in control of both chambers of the state legislature as well as the office of the governor, giving them control of the entire state’s government.
“I am incredibly humbled for the overwhelming support of the voters of the 13th House District, who have chosen me to represent our community as the next State Representative,” Xiong said on X. “Michigan holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a beacon of hope for me and my family. I’ve cherished the opportunities this state has provided, from receiving a higher education to finding meaningful employment, starting a business, and raising a family.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) congratulated Herzberg and Xiong on X. Lawmakers in Michigan are expected to focus on their state budget. Whitmer previously asked Michigan’s legislature to pass the $80 billion budget that provides free community college to all high school graduates as well as universal free preschool for 4-year-olds.
Herzberg and Xiong won their districts by large margins. Herzberg won his district with 59.6% of the vote, and Xiong won her district with 65.6% of the vote.
Last November, two Democrats in the Michigan House vacated their seats, leaving the chamber tied 54-54 between Democratic and Republican lawmakers. For the first time in 40 years, the Michigan, House, Senate, and governor are in control of the Democrats.
Michigan is one of seven key swing states going into the 2024 general election.
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In 2016, former President Donald Trump flipped the state red by about 10,000 votes, the most narrow presidential margin in Michigan history. In 2020, President Joe Biden flipped the state back blue.
Early polling shows Trump with a 3-point lead in the state. Republicans are also looking to regain control of Michigan’s House following legislative redistricting in the Detroit area. The entirety of the Michigan House, 110 seats, are up for election in November, including the two seats won Tuesday.