The 2026 midterm elections significantly reshaped Michigan’s political landscape with Democrats winning across state and federal offices and establishing unified control of state government. The results will have important implications for health care policy and advocacy as the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) prepares to work with a new Administration and Legislature in 2027.
Democrats reclaimed the Michigan House of Representatives, flipping 11 Republican-held seats to secure a 63-47 majority. In the Senate, Democrats expanded their majority from 20-18 to 23-15, their largest advantage since 1982. Jocelyn Benson defeated Republican John James to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer, while Democrats also retained the offices of Secretary of State and Attorney General. Democrats additionally strengthened Michigan’s congressional delegation, contributing to the party’s successful effort to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The expanded legislative majorities at the state level represent a significant change from Democrats’ previous period of unified control during the 2023-2024 legislative session, when narrow margins in both chambers often required bipartisan support or near-unanimous caucus agreement to advance legislation. The new margins give Democratic leadership considerably more flexibility in setting priorities and moving its agenda.
For Michigan physicians, the coming legislative session will bring both challenges and opportunities. Scope of practice and medical liability are expected to remain significant advocacy priorities. MSMS will continue working to protect physician-led, team-based care, preserve patient safety, and maintain a stable medical liability environment that supports physician practice and access to care.
At the same time, MSMS sees the new legislative makeup as a potential opportunity to advance meaningful insurance industry reforms. Efforts to address insurance practices, improve transparency, reduce administrative burdens, and strengthen the physician-insurer relationship have historically faced a steeper climb under the previous legislative makeup. With unified control and larger majorities, there may be greater opportunity to build legislative support for reforms that benefit physicians and patients.
The incoming Legislature also brings new members and opportunities for MSMS to establish relationships, educate policymakers, and build support for policies that strengthen Michigan’s health care system. Engaging lawmakers early will be important as priorities take shape for the 2027-2028 legislative session.
Regardless of party control, MSMS will continue its bipartisan approach to advocacy, working with legislators and the administration to advance policies that support physicians, protect the physician-patient relationship, and improve access to high-quality care.
The 2026 election changed the dynamics in Lansing. While scope of practice and medical liability will present challenges, the new governing environment may create opportunities to make progress on long-standing insurance industry reforms. MSMS will focus on building constructive relationships and ensuring Michigan physicians have a meaningful voice in the policy decisions shaping the future of health care.
For other questions, please contact Kate Dorsey, Director of Government Relations at kdorsey@msms.org or 517-336-5737.