Decision Desk HQ predicts that Democratic candidates Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong will win special elections in two Michigan state House seats, regaining the party’s complete control of the legislature.
Xiong defeated Republican Ronald Singer in District 13, which covers Detroit, Center Line, and Warren in Macomb and Wayne counties, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Meanwhile, the news outlet reported that Herzberg defeated Republican Josh Powell in District 25, which encompasses parts of Wayne, Canton, and Westland in Wayne County.
Xiong is a former Thai immigrant who recently served on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Herzberg was a member of the Westland City Council.
The Associated Press reports that former state Reps. Kevin Coleman (D) and Lori Stone (D) resigned after Coleman won the mayorship of Westland and Stone won the mayorship of Warren, creating a 54-54 political split in the House.
Nonetheless, Herzberg and Xiong’s victories restored the Democratic majority in the state House.
“I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support of voters in the 13th House District, who have chosen me to represent our community as the next State Representative.” “Michigan holds a special place in my heart because it has been a source of hope for me and my family,” Xiong said in a statement released by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC).
DLCC President Heather Williams praised the victory, calling the state a “shining example” of what can be accomplished with a Democratic majority and noting initiatives to improve health care access and reduce gun violence.
“Tonight’s elections were a referendum on the mission of Michigan’s Democratic trifecta, and voters declared they want Democrats to keep advancing the state forward,” she went on to say.
“With tonight’s victories, Speaker Joe Tate and the Democratic majority can build on the party’s significant progress in Michigan. Momentum is on our side in Michigan and around the country, and the DLCC is determined to make 2024 the Year of the States.”
