Democrats retake control of Michigan Statehouse after special election wins

Democratic candidates Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong are projected to win their special elections in two Michigan state House races, allowing the party to regain full control of the state Legislature, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Xiong defeated Republican Ronald Singer in District 13, which includes parts of Detroit, Center Line and Warren in Macomb and Wayne counties, according to the Detroit Free Press.  

Meanwhile, Herzberg defeated Republican Josh Powell in District 25, which includes parts of Wayne, Canton and Westland in Wayne County, according to the news outlet. 

Xiong is a former refugee from Thailand who most recently served on the Macomb County board of commissioners. Herzberg was a member of the Westland City Council.  

Former state Reps. Kevin Coleman (D) and Lori Stone (D) vacated their seats after Coleman was elected mayor of Westland and Stone was elected mayor of Warren, bringing partisan control to a 54-54 split in the House, according to The Associated Press. 

The wins by Herzberg and Xiong restored the Democratic edge in the state House, however. 

“I am incredibly humbled for the overwhelming support of the voters of 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, as it has been a beacon of hope for me and my family,” Xiong said in a statement shared through the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC). 

The win was also lauded by DLCC President Heather Williams, who called the state a “shining example” of what can be done with a Democratic majority, citing health care access and gun violence measures. 

“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 said. 

“With tonight’s wins, Speaker Joe Tate and the Democratic majority can continue Democrats’ important progress in Michigan. Momentum is on our side in Michigan and across the country, and the DLCC is committed to making 2024 the year of the states.”