MI Dems Recapture Full-Control Of Lansing

Michigan Democrats recaptured Lansing amid a blue wave across the nation Tuesday night, according to media projections.

It appears Democrats captured 62 state house seats in Tuesday elections, meaning they would hold a 62-48 advantage in the chamber for the next two years.

It also appears they expanded their Senate 20-18 majority, netting three additional seats to rule the chamber 23-15.

Combined with Jocelyn Benson's projected win for governor, it's just the second time in 45 years that Democrats will control all of Lansing.

"When Democrats are in power, we make progress for working people. With our last trifecta, we restored workers’ rights, cut taxes for families, fed kids at school, and lifted tens of thousands of children out of poverty," Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said. "Now, we will continue that critical work. With the leadership of Governor-Elect Benson and the future leaders of the state legislature, we will keep building toward a Michigan where every person has a chance to thrive. Let’s get to work!"

Democrats picked up state house wins across the state, including in the Jackson, Rochester Hills, Lake Orion, Grand Blanc, and Holland areas.

The Rochester Hills seat was held by Rep. Mark Tisdel, who served for three terms in the House. He lost to Democrat Alex Hawkins by nearly 4 percentage points, according to unofficial results from Oakland County.

Tisdel won his 2024 race by 7.5 percentage points.

Democrat Joseph McClusky defeated Republican Nancy DeBoer for the state's 86th district, which is in the Holland area. The seat had been held by Republicans since 1993.

"Tonight, the voters of House District 86 sent a clear message that they are ready for leadership focused on lowering costs, strengthening our schools, protecting good jobs, and making government more accountable for the people it serves," McClusky said.

In the senate, Democrats won two seats in west Michigan and one in Oakland County.

The last time the Democrats held the trifecta in Lansing was in 2022. It was the first time in nearly 40 years they controlled Lansing.

They lost that majority in 2024, when President Donald Trump won Michigan and Republicans took a 58-52 hold of the House.