Michigan Republicans reclaim state House; House Speaker concedes

Republicans flipped the Michigan House of Representatives from Democratic control, winning a legislative majority in the chamber and ushering in a new era of divided government in Lansing.

Republicans claimed victory in the fight to control the Michigan House of Representatives early Wednesday morning and House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, conceded the Democrats' loss several hours later.

Republicans needed 56 seats to secure a majority in the state House chamber. As of 4:42 p.m. Wednesday, unofficial results compiled by The Associated Press, which the Free Press uses to declare winners, called Republicans winning 57 out of the chamber's 110 seats, including a major flip in the 109th House District from Democratic to GOP control, with former meteorologist Karl Bohnak beating state Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette. The win was a major pick-up for Republicans, who have failed to carry the Marquette-based state House district for years. Republicans also flipped a Downriver district, with former Michigan Youth Vice Chair Rylee Linting beating state Rep. Jaime Churches of Wyandotte. In a Macomb County district, Utica City Councilman Ron Robinson denied state Rep. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, another term. Unofficial county-level results show Calhoun County Commissioner Steve Frisbie unseated Democratic state Rep. Jim Haadsma of Battle Creek.

"With a Republican majority, Michigan will have a stronger voice fighting for the values of hardworking families and addressing the issues that matter most — safe schools and neighborhoods, an affordable economy, and a government that provides value for dollars," said Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, in an emailed statement early Wednesday morning.

On the Democratic side, Tate said Democrats worked hard to keep their majority but ultimately fell short. "The results of the election represent an opportunity to regroup and rebuild over the coming term. House Democrats will put in the work to regain our majority and deliver a brighter future for the millions of residents who make Michigan their home," Tate said in an emailed statement Wednesday morning.

A Republican victory means Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won't finish out her term in office with her party enjoying full control of the state Legislature.

2024 Election: Donald Trump wins the election in stunning political comeback

In 2022, Whitmer won reelection and Democrats flipped the state House and Senate from GOP control for the first time in 40 years. With that governing trifecta, Democrats acted without GOP support to move a flurry of legislation, including a repeal of Michigan's right-to-work law and abortion restrictions, gun safety measures and a statewide clean energy target.

In the race to win a House majority, Republicans campaigned against corporate subsidies approved by Democrats to lure new electric vehicle-related jobs to the state. They've also railed against Democratic opposition to making a temporary income tax cut permanent. They've blasted the most recent school budget that included no per-pupil funding increase and new energy laws that give state regulators the power to supersede local zoning laws to install green energy projects.

Michigan Democrats hold a two-seat majority in the state Senate, which was not on the ballot this year. But state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, who won her congressional race, will leave her competitive seat up for grabs to be filled during a special election.

House lawmakers could caucus as soon as Thursday to decide the next House Speaker and Minority Leader, along with other leadership posts. Hall is planning to run for House Speaker as is state Rep. Tom Kunse, R-Clare.

Tate will not run to be the House Democrats' Minority Leader, according to his spokesperson Amber McCann. At least two state House Democrats are interested in the job. State Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, said he's running to be the Democratic leader. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, is also asking her colleagues to choose her. "The road back to the majority is going to be a long one, but it is one I have every confidence we can overcome," she wrote in a letter announcing her run.

This story was updated to add new information.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at [email protected] or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigan’s elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Republicans win back state House control