Advocacy News – April 29, 2024
The battle lines are set for November in what’s expected to be a lively contest for control of the state House.
Why it matters: With the candidate filing and withdraw deadlines behind us, we now know who is running for each of Michigan’s 110 House districts, all of which are up for election in November. Democrats are seeking to defend and/or grow their 56-54 majority while Republicans are looking to flip control of the State House in their favor.
Both parties are targeting swing districts and building their war chests. Political action committee fundraising totals filed last week showed House Democrats raised $2.2 million this quarter and have $5.32 million in the bank, while House Republicans raised $1.3 million and have $5.38 million on hand.
Key races to watch include:
- Competitive districts with incumbent Democratic lawmakers, including: Traverse City (Rep. Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City), Southwest Michigan (Rep. Joey Andrews, D-St. Joseph), Battle Creek (Rep. Jim Haadsma, D-Battle Creek), Macomb County (Reps. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, and Denise Mentzer, D-Mt. Clemens), and Downriver (Rep. Jamie Churches, D-Wyandotte).
- Competitive districts with incumbent Republican lawmakers, including: Southeast Michigan (Reps. Donnie Steele, R-Orion Township, and Mark Tisdel R-Rochester Hills), Downriver (Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown Township), Jackson (Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, R-Jackson), and Genesee County (Rep. David Martin, R-Davison).
- Situations where former State Representatives are challenging incumbents in competitive districts, including: former Rep. Tommy Brann (R-Wyoming) who is hoping to beat Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming); former Rep. Tim Sneller (D-Burton) who is challenging Rep. David Martin (R-Davison).
What’s next: The MI Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) Board expects to make its first round of endorsements in key races in June. Please contact Wendy Block with questions at wblock@michamber.com.