The Michigan Legislature was largely inactive this week, as both the House and Senate were out of session. Despite the quiet legislative calendar, a significant political question was resolved that impacts the policy landscape in Lansing for the remainder of the year.
A special election in the 35th Senate District was held to fill a seat that had been vacant for over a year following the resignation of former Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet, who was elected to Congress. The outcome of the race resulted in a victory for Chedrick Greene, a Democrat from Saginaw, who won by a wide margin over Republican candidate Jason Tunney. With this result, Democrats regained a 20–18 majority in the Michigan Senate, restoring their full governing margin after operating with a reduced majority during the vacancy.
This shift has immediate procedural and policy implications. A full majority eliminates the possibility of tied votes in the chamber, which could otherwise require tie-breaking intervention from the Lieutenant Governor, Garlin Gilchrist II. It also provides clearer control over committee activity, legislative scheduling, and floor votes.
With a stable majority, Senate leadership is positioned to advance its legislative priorities with greater predictability, though outcomes will still depend on coordination with the House and the Executive branch.
Upcoming In-District Events
As legislative activity resumes, physicians are encouraged to stay engaged at the local level. Attending in-district events and connecting directly with your state legislators can provide valuable opportunities to share clinical perspectives, highlight patient care challenges, and help inform policymaking as priorities take shape in Lansing.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Representative Betsy Coffia (D) Local Office Hours 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Leelanau County Government Center, 8527 E Government Center Dr, Suttons Bay.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Representative Mike Mueller (R) Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mundy Township Senior and Enrichment Center, 3478 Mundy Ave., Swartz Creek.
MONDAY, MAY 20
Representative Nancy DeBoer (R) Local Office Hours 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
1190 S. Washington Ave. Holland MI.
For questions about these issues, or to participate in our Doctor of the Day Program in Lansing, please contact Kate Dorsey, MSMS Director of Government Relations, at kdorsey@msms.org.