Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) has lost Democratic control of Michigan’s legislature following the recent election, a significant shift for the state’s leadership. Whitmer, who gained a reputation for enforcing some of the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns in the country, now faces a Republican-majority legislature. In addition, Michigan’s Electoral College votes went to President-elect Donald Trump.
With Republicans winning the Michigan House on November 5, Whitmer will have to negotiate with the GOP-led legislature during her remaining two years in office. Prior to the election, Democrats held a narrow 56-54 majority in the House, according to *The New York Post*.
“Our hard-fought victory reaffirms that the people of Michigan want leaders who put them first, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for accountability at every level of government,” said House Republican Leader Matt Hall, who is positioned to become the next House speaker. Hall emphasized that the Republican-led House would prioritize the values of hardworking Michigan families, focusing on safety, economic affordability, and responsible government.
Representative Schuette, who played a key role in the GOP’s election strategy, echoed this sentiment, telling *The Post*, “The victory shows that Michiganders trust Republicans to lead our state toward a brighter future. They want a government that listens, acts with integrity, and remains accountable to the people. We are ready to deliver on those promises and restore balance to Michigan’s government.”
In 2022, Democrats gained control of both the House and Senate after years of Republican dominance, also securing the attorney general and secretary of state offices. At the time, State Sen. Dayna Polehanki celebrated the achievement, noting that Democrats held “ALL the gavels” in Michigan’s 102nd Legislature, which began in January 2023.
However, two years later, Republicans have flipped the House and gained at least three seats, surpassing the minimum two-seat gain needed to reclaim the majority. Ballots are still being counted, and the final seat tally could increase Republican control further.
