Special Election Could Shift Michigan Senate Power Balance
The political landscape in Michigan could see a significant shift with an upcoming special election, as candidates have just one week left to declare their intent to run for the 35th state Senate district. This region, encompassing areas within Saginaw, Bay, and Midland Counties, was previously represented by a Democrat.
Kristen McDonald Rivet, who recently vacated the seat to join the U.S. House of Representatives, leaves behind a potential pivotal role that could alter the current Democratic majority in the Senate if a Republican were to claim victory.
Kevin Lorentz, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Saginaw Valley State University, anticipates a competitive contest. He remarked, “It’s something that I don’t think either party is going to be able to lock in. They’re both going to target it. They’re both going to assume that it’s going to be a competitive race. And I also think that national headwinds are going to have an impact on it as well.”
As of Monday evening, filings include four Democrats and two Republicans, according to the Michigan Department of State. The Democratic candidates feature notable figures such as Brandell Adams, the Saginaw County Democratic Party Chair, and Chedrick Greene, a Captain at the Saginaw Fire Department. Additionally, Dr. William Morrone, a Medical Examiner, and Dr. Martin Blank, a trauma surgeon with prior Republican candidacy, are in the running.
Representing the Republican side are businessman Chadwick Twillman and Christian Velasquez, a retired Dow employee and former candidate for the same seat in 2022.
With the approaching deadline, Lorentz expressed skepticism about significant new entries into the race, stating, “If there is going to be heavy hitter on the Republican side, I would kind of be surprised at this point given we’re so late. Frankly, I’m surprised. The same logic would be applying on the Democratic side. I don’t know why at this point, since we’re so close … why are we waiting?”
Among the Democratic hopefuls, Michigan School Board President Pamela Pugh has been actively fundraising since May, yet she has not finalized her nomination paperwork to appear on the ballot.
Speculation arose about Republican state representatives from overlapping districts, like Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), but he opted to remain in the House, and no other incumbents have entered the race thus far.
Changes in term limits, allowing for extended service in the House, might explain the hesitation, as Lorentz noted, “There’s something to be said about our current sitting representatives are gaining seniority in their House. And, if Republicans, they’re the majority right now. If they retain the majority come next year, they would be in position to keep that seniority and have power again.”
Candidates must submit their filings by the end of the month, with the primary scheduled for early February and the general election set for early May.
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