Sen. Kevin Daley demands action as 270,000 residents in Michigan’s 35th District remain without Senate representation amid political deadlock.
Political Deadlock in Michigan as Senate Vacancy Drags On
LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Kevin Daley is calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to announce a special election for the now-vacant 35th District Senate seat, ensuring that over 270,000 Michigan residents are not left without representation.
During a Senate session Wednesday, Daley, R-Lum, criticized the governor’s delay in scheduling an election, emphasizing that the vacancy had been known since November and formally took effect on Jan. 3.
“This vacancy didn’t come as a surprise,” Daley said. “We knew ahead of time that the previous senator from the 35th District would resign. Yet here we are—almost a month later—and our governor has still not fulfilled her duty to call for a special election.”
35th District Senate Seat Remains Vacant Amid Political Standoff
The 35th District, which includes parts of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, has been left without a state senator following the resignation of Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City. She vacated the seat after winning a congressional race and joining the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.
With McDonald Rivet’s departure, the Michigan Senate is now evenly split, 19-19, between Democrats and Republicans. This means Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will serve as the tie-breaking vote in legislative matters, potentially shifting power dynamics in the chamber.
Delayed Election Raises Questions About Whitmer’s Priorities
Daley’s remarks also took a sharp aim at Whitmer’s national ambitions, accusing the governor of prioritizing personal political aspirations over Michigan governance.
“I urge the governor to take a break from her national book tour and presidential race preparation to return to Michigan, act like a true leader, fulfill her duty, and call for this special election,” Daley said.
Whitmer has not responded directly to Daley’s comments, but her office maintains that the governor is following due process in determining election timelines. In 2022, Whitmer swiftly called special elections for two House vacancies on the day they were announced, leading some lawmakers to question the inconsistency.
McDonald Rivet Calls for a Moderate Successor
WCMU interviewed McDonald Rivet, who represented Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, emphasized the importance of bipartisanship in selecting her replacement.
“Someone who is interested in accomplishing real things, who is not overly political, is not engaging in the chaos and dramatic moments that are so frequent in our politics today,” she said.
She did not endorse any specific candidates but stated she had “heard a lot of really good names.”
The Impact of a 50-50 Senate Split
Until the vacancy is filled, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will serve as the deciding vote on partisan issues. While the Democratic majority remains intact with Gilchrist’s tie-breaking power, the absence of a senator from the 35th District leaves constituents without a direct voice in Lansing.
Political analysts suggest that a prolonged delay in the special election could impact upcoming legislative priorities, especially on budget negotiations and policy initiatives.
Special Election Timelines and Political Implications
Michigan election law gives the governor authority to determine special election dates. If the vacancy is left open for an extended period, Republicans may use it as a talking point against Democrats in upcoming elections, citing neglect of voter representation.
With a presidential election cycle already underway, the special election could become a high-stakes battleground for both parties, influencing Senate control in the longer term.
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