Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midterms

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Source: Associated Press

U.S. News
Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midterms

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and MIKE HOUSEHOLDER
Updated 12:01 AM EDT, May 6, 2026

SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — Democrat Chedrick Greene won a special election in Michigan on Tuesday, securing his party’s control of the state Senate through the remainder of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s term.

Greene, a firefighter and Marine veteran, defeated Republican Jason Tunney, a former prosecutor, in the race for Michigan’s 35th Senate District, which includes Saginaw and Bay City and is surrounded by more conservative rural areas. Democrats had held a one-seat majority in the chamber, putting control at stake.

“I just want you to know who’s had your back for 31 years and you can be sure I’ll still have your backs in Lansing,” Greene told cheering supporters at a watch party, referring to the state’s capital city.

Libertarian candidate Ali Sledz lagged far back in third for the seat left vacant since January 2025. Tunney conceded the 35th state Senate district race, saying he “fell short” but vowing to run again in November. The term at play in Tuesday’s election runs only through the end of the year, leaving the seat up for reelection again in the fall.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/michigan-special-election-senate-greene-tunney-68d0450686b45eaaceca99f01a8a1d5a