Central Michigan State Senate Special Election: Determining the Balance of Power
In a special election in Central Michigan, voters will decide the control of the state Senate after 16 months without representation. The seat was previously held by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet, who is now a congresswoman. Michigan Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the state Senate, and a Republican victory could deadlock the chamber. The nominees for the seat are Democrat Chedrick Greene, Republican Jason Tunney, and Libertarian Ali Sledz.
The district, which includes parts of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, is crucial in determining the balance of power in the state Senate. While Republican Donald Trump won all three counties in the 2024 presidential race, the district itself is more competitive. The winner of the special election will complete the remaining eight months of the term and will also run in the August primaries for a full term.
The Associated Press will provide updates on the election results and declare a winner in the state Senate special election. Polls in Senate District 35 close at 8 p.m. ET, and write-in votes are not permitted. Nearly 46,000 voters participated in the special primary, with early and absentee votes playing a significant role. As of Friday, about 32,000 ballots had already been cast in the special election.
Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties are expected to release results gradually throughout the night, with the final vote update typically occurring in the early morning. The AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments in the race until a winner is declared. The special election is crucial in determining the balance of power in the state Senate and will have implications for the upcoming primaries and midterm elections.