Advocacy News – May 6, 2026
What happened: After nearly 500 days without representation, residents of Saginaw, Bay City and Midland counties now have a new state senator. Chedrick Greene won Tuesday’s special election, with unofficial results showing a 19-point margin (58.87% to 39.42%).
Why it matters: Greene’s victory restores Democrats’ 20–18 majority in the Michigan Senate. With 20 seats, Democrats can sustain one absence or defection and still maintain the 19 votes needed to pass legislation.
The big picture: The term runs only through the end of the year, putting the seat back on the ballot this fall. Republican Jason Tunney – who was supported by the Michigan Chamber based on his positions on key business and economic issues – conceded, saying he “fell short,” but signaled plans for a rematch with Greene in November.
More broadly, the race was seen as a test of voter sentiment ahead of the midterms, as Democrats aim to hold control of statewide offices and the Michigan Senate and gain control of the Michigan House.