Democrats had a strong showing, both across the country and in Michigan, winning several key races and securing some major upsets. While the ramifications of the election results are still becoming clear, the races in which the Michigan Doctors’ Political Action Committee (MDPAC) made endorsements have been called. The updated list can be found here.
Democrats will control both chambers of the Michigan Legislature, with the House expected to have a 63-47 Democratic majority and Senate Democrats expanding their majority to 23-15.
Statewide Races
- Governor: Jocelyn Benson (D) defeated John James (R).
- Secretary of State: Garlin Gilchrist (D) defeated Anthony Forlini (R).
- Attorney General: Eli Savit (D) defeated Doug Lloyd (R).
Michigan Supreme Court
Democratic-nominated candidates Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood won their races for the Michigan Supreme Court. Chief Justice Cavanagh was reelected, while Justice Hood was elected to his first full term. Democratic-nominated justices will continue to hold a 6-1 majority on the Court.
Ballot Proposals
- Proposal 1: Rejected by voters. The proposal would have convened a constitutional convention. The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) Board of Directors recommended a no vote on the measure.
- Proposal 2: Approved by voters. The proposal restricts political contributions from public utilities and certain government contractors and places additional restrictions on political communications spending. The measure is already facing a court challenge.
Federal Races
In the U.S. Senate race, Abdul El-Sayed (D) defeated Mike Rogers (R), succeeding retiring Senator Gary Peters (D).
Democrats also won several U.S. House races:
- MI-4: Sean McCann (D) defeated incumbent Bill Huizenga (R).
- MI-7: William Lawrence (D) defeated incumbent Tom Barrett (R).
- MI-10: Christina Hines (D) defeated Michael Bouchard (R).
- MI-11: Jeremy Moss (D) won the open seat previously held by Haley Stevens.
- MI-13: Donavan McKinney (D) won the seat after defeating incumbent Shri Thanedar in the Democratic primary.
For a more detailed analysis of these election results, see next week’s edition of Medigram. For further information, please contact MSMS Director of Government Affairs Kate Dorsey at 517-336-5737 or kdorsey@msms.org.