DETROIT – Michigan Republicans are poised to win back control of the House of Representatives, ending the Democrat’s trifecta in Lansing for the past two years.
“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,” House Republican Leader Matt Hall said in a statement. “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.”
Ahead of the election, Democrats had a slim majority. Republicans only needed to flip two seats.
House Democrats ready to work with Republicans
House Democrats said they’re prepared to work with House Republicans.
“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,” Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) said in a statement. “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.”
Gov. Whitmer’s agenda
Before the 2022 midterms, the Democrats hadn’t had control of both chambers of the legislature and the governor’s office in nearly four decades.
While in power, Michigan Democrats passed sweeping reforms involving right to work, reproductive health, gun control, and voting and elections.
In a statement, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s team highlighted a billion-dollar tax cut they signed into law -- rolling back the retirement tax and quintupling the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit.
With Republicans reclaiming the majority, it will impact Whitmer’s ability to move on her agenda in her final two years in office.
Whitmer responded to the election results Wednesday by touting her bipartisan record.
“I’m willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems, and I look forward to collaborating with the incoming majority on our shared goals from infrastructure to economic development,” said Whitmer in a statement.
Elections for the Michigan State Senate take place every four years, unlike those for the Michigan House of Representatives, which take place every two years.