Michigan Senate control at stake in election. Other issues on ballot

A special state Senate race and a variety of property tax and school bond issues are at stake Tuesday in select elections around Michigan.

Voters in the 35th District, which spans Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties, will pick one of three candidates to represent them for the remainder of the year: Republican Jason Tunney, a lawyer and businessman from Saginaw; Democrat Chedrick Greene, a firefighter from Saginaw; or Libertarian Ali Sledz from Midland.

The 35th District seat has been vacant since former state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, was sworn in as a member of the U.S. House on Jan. 3, 2025. The winner will serve the final months of McDonald Rivet's four-year term and run as the incumbent in the regular August primary election.

The traditionally Democratic seat is being contested by the Republicans as Democrats hold a 19-18 majority. If Greene wins, the Democrats will hold a 20-18 and will more easily be able to pursue their legislative agenda. If Tunney wins, Senate control would be tied at 19-19 and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchirst II, a Democrat, would cast any tie-breaking votes.




https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/05/05/whats-at-stake-michigan-election-may-5-special-state-senate-school-bond/89933964007/