Michigan’s Special Primary Elections Set the Stage for a Pivotal Senate Race
In a significant development for Michigan politics, voters in the Saginaw Bay area have selected their candidates for the upcoming special general election to fill the state’s vacant Senate seat. The primary elections concluded on Tuesday night, marking an essential step towards determining the future balance of power in Michigan’s state Senate.
Representing the Democratic Party is Chedrick Greene, a Saginaw fire captain with decades of service experience. At a union hall in Bay City, Greene emphasized the decision voters face: a choice between what he described as “a leader grounded in working-class experience” and a Republican opponent he characterized as “out of touch” and aligned with extreme views.
“Our only hope to protect and build on our working class to make life more affordable, safe and free in this great state is for all of us to do our part to win this seat and keep Republican extremists out of power,” Greene stated during his victory remarks.
On the Republican side, Saginaw lawyer Jason Tunney emerged as the nominee after a closely contested primary. Tunney criticized Greene and the Democratic Party for neglecting state-level issues, suggesting their focus is misdirected.
“All those things that he mentioned, are those Lansing issues? Are those Michigan issues? They’re trying to run on federal issues because they know they can’t run on the Democrats’ record in the state of Michigan. It’s flawed, it’s wrong, and it’s broken,” Tunney argued.
His campaign is centered on economic growth, support for law enforcement, and improving education standards. Tunney believes these are the key factors to making Michigan an attractive place for young families and businesses.
As the candidates prepare for the May general election, unofficial tallies indicate both Greene and Tunney secured more than half of the primary votes. The election will be crucial in determining whether Democrats can maintain their narrow 19-18 edge in the state Senate.
The 35th Senate district has been without representation since January 2025, following Kristen McDonald Rivet’s transition to Congress, leaving a pivotal seat open for contention.
—
Read More Michigan News
