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Democrats retain control of Michigan senate with ‘overperformance’ in special election
TL;DR
Chedrick Greene won a special election in Michigan, allowing Democrats to maintain control of the state senate. He secured over 58% of the vote against Republican Jason Tunney, marking a significant victory ahead of upcoming political changes.
Key points
- Chedrick Greene won a special election in Michigan
- Democrats retain control of the state senate
- Greene received over 58% of the vote
- Republican Jason Tunney received 39% of the vote
- The election is significant ahead of upcoming political changes
Mentioned in this story
Chedrick GreeneJason TunneyKamala HarrisDemocratsRepublicansGretchen WhitmerMAGA RepublicansMichigan
Chedrick Greene, a Democratic firefighter and marine veteran, won a special election in Michigan on Tuesday, allowing Democrats to retain control of state senate for the remainder of the year.
In the race for Michigan’s 35th senate district, a constituency that former vice-president Kamala Harris won by only a single percentage point in 2024, Greene beat Republican Jason Tunney – clinching more than 58% of the vote, compared with Tunney’s 39%, according to local results. The district includes parts of Bay and Saginaw counties, purple areas of the state.
Donald Trump ultimately won the state in the last election, but Michigan Democrats were hoping to hold on to their narrow majority in the senate ahead of the term-limited governor, Gretchen Whitmer, leaving office in January. Republicans control the state’s lower chamber.
“We delivered this decisive victory by listening and speaking to the things keeping everyday people up at night – worries about affordability, safety and freedom,” Greene told supporters on Tuesday, as he was declared the winner.
Hakeem Jeffries, the US House minority leader, heralded Greene’s win on social media. “State Sen-elect Chedrick Greene’s decisive 19-point overperformance last night ensures Democrats keep control of the Michigan Senate,” Jeffries wrote on X. “A massive defeat for MAGA Republicans!”
The senate seat had been vacant since January 2025, when Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat, left the post after she won a seat in the US House.
Tunney, a former prosecutor, vowed to challenge Greene again when voters return to the polls in November to elect a representative for the 35th district for a full four-year term.
“Tonight, we fell short in the special election, but I’m incredibly proud of what this campaign accomplished together,” Tunney said. “This is only the halfway point. As we head into November, the contrast between Chedrick and myself will only become clearer to more and more voters. I’m excited about what lies ahead, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Q&A
What was the outcome of the Michigan special election?
Chedrick Greene won the special election, securing over 58% of the vote and allowing Democrats to retain control of the Michigan state senate.
Who is Chedrick Greene and what did he achieve in the election?
Chedrick Greene is a Democratic firefighter and marine veteran who won a special election in Michigan's 35th senate district, defeating Republican Jason Tunney.
How did this election impact the Michigan state senate's control?
Greene's victory ensures that Democrats maintain their narrow majority in the Michigan state senate, which is crucial ahead of the term-limited governor's departure.
