Democrat Wins Michigan Special Election

Democrat Chedrick Greene won a special election Tuesday for Michigan's 35th Senate District, securing his party's continued control of the state Senate. Greene, a Marine veteran and firefighter, defeated Republican Jason Tunney, a former prosecutor, by more than 19 percentage points with 94 percent of the vote counted.

The victory maintains a 20-18 Democratic edge in the chamber. The district covers the Saginaw Bay area, including Saginaw and Bay City. It had been vacant since January 2025 after the previous Democratic holder resigned following election to Congress in 2024.

The seat's term runs only through December, setting up another contest in the fall.

Greene told supporters at a watch party that he had represented the area for 31 years and would continue to do so in Lansing. Tunney conceded the race but said he plans to run again in November. A Libertarian candidate finished a distant third. High-profile Democrats campaigned for Greene in the final weeks.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer headlined a rally, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined events in the district. John James appeared with Tunney on the campaign trail. Portions of the three counties involved are more competitive than surrounding rural areas, with a mix of union voters and a sizable Black population.

Republicans had criticized the timing of the special election, noting the district lacked representation for nearly 500 days. Democratic groups spent heavily, including a $250,000 investment announced earlier by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Republican strategist Jason Roe said the spending and national political environment made the race difficult for his party.

The result continues a pattern of Democratic special-election gains during President Trump's second term. Democrats also hold the governorship, while Republicans control the state House by a 58-52 margin. The race drew attention as a potential barometer for November contests in the battleground state.