Michigan State Rep. Joe Tate made history when he was selected as Speaker of the House, becoming the first Black person to serve in that role in the state.
Tate did so while the Democratic Party had control over both chambers of the legislature and the governorship for the first time in 40 years.
Now, Tate is reflecting on his time as House Speaker and responding to critics about his leadership style.
“You can’t please everyone. You have to be able to do what you feel as a leader is the right thing to do,” said Tate.
His tenure ended with a call of the House last month.
It came after House Republicans and a member of his own caucus boycotted the final days of the session, preventing any legislation from moving forward as the window was closing on the Democratic trifecta in Lansing.
Absent members didn’t return, and Tate adjourned the session while the Senate went on a bill-passing marathon.
“Was it disappointing that I had some of my colleagues that decided not to show up on a session day to have their constituents' voices be heard through the legislative process, it certainly was,” Tate said.
However, the former House Speaker doesn’t want it to overshadow what Democrats were able to accomplish while in charge.
“We passed two fiscally responsible budgets on time. We were able to go through and pass a myriad of legislation that affects people’s lives day-to-day,” Tate said.
As a former NFL player, Tate is used to working with a team.
“The team building component of it really carries over as a skillset, how do you bring everyone together to focus on one mission,” Tate said. “Being an elected official is much more challenging than being a football player.”
Tate is entering his fourth term representing Detroit in the legislature. But another role is on his mind.
Tate said a decision on running for mayor of Detroit is imminent.
“My job, first and foremost, is being a state representative. I have that job. And I take that job very seriously. But I’m exploring my options right now,” he said.
Candidates for mayor have until April 22 to file.