Democrats Retain Senate Majority: Chedrick Greene Wins Special Election in Michigan

Democrats retain state Senate majority

Greene wins key election

Michigan special election results shape political balance

The victory of Democrat Chedrick Greene in Michigan’s special election prevented a political setback for his party in a key battleground state.

Greene won the vacant Senate District 35 seat on Tuesday, May 5, preserving the Democratic majority in the state Senate.

Why it matters: The result comes amid a growing battle between Democrats and Republicans over political control ahead of the November midterm elections.

The race also reflected the increasing importance of local elections in nationally competitive states.

Democrats maintain majority after Michigan special election results

BREAKING

Democrat Chedrick Greene has defeated Republican Jason Tunney and Libertarian Ali Sledz in the Michigan State Senate District 35 Special Election.

This is a hold.

The Democrats retain their majority in the Michigan State Senate. pic.twitter.com/WlTCG5oEgq

— The Political HQ (@ThePoliticalHQ) May 6, 2026

Charles Stewart III, a political science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told USA TODAY that the election had the potential to shift the state’s political balance.

“In Michigan, the special election had the potential to paralyze the state Senate,” the academic said on May 6.

With Greene’s victory, Democrats maintain a 20-18 majority in the state Senate.

That prevents Republicans from blocking legislation through legislative abstention tactics.

Greene secures a decisive victory in Michigan

Democrat Chedrick Greene wins a special state Senate election in Michigan, NBC News projects, ensuring his party will keep control of the closely divided chamber. https://t.co/oAGdzzjWLP

— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 6, 2026

Chedrick Greene, a United States Marine Corps veteran and firefighter in Saginaw, received 58.9% of the vote. The results were reported by CNN.

The seat became vacant after Kristen McDonald Rivet was elected to Congress and assumed office in early 2025.

Greene stated on social media that his campaign focused on the everyday concerns of voters.

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“We achieved this decisive victory by listening to and addressing the things that keep ordinary people awake at night,” Greene wrote.

Chedrick Greene also mentioned concerns related to affordability, safety, and freedom.

Republican Jason Tunney, a private practice attorney, received 39.4% of the vote.

Despite the loss, Tunney made it clear that he intends to continue campaigning.

“This is only halftime,” he said during his concession speech.

Tunney stated that the differences between himself and Greene will become more visible as the election year progresses.

“I’m excited about what the future holds, and I’m not going anywhere,” he added.

The seat will be contested again in November.

Michigan returns to the center of the national political battle

The special election was viewed as the first major political test of the year in Michigan.

The state remains one of the most competitive territories in federal elections.

According to Ballotpedia, Donald Trump won Michigan in 2024 with 49.7% of the vote.

The election also demonstrated how the president’s allies are willing to invest heavily in local elections.

States such as Indiana have become part of that broader political strategy.

Analysts believe results in these types of races can foreshadow national political trends.

Greene’s victory also comes as Democrats have posted strong performances in recent special elections.

Democrats show strength in Michigan special elections

Jared McDonald, an adjunct political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said there is currently a favorable trend for Democrats.

The academic explained that the party is benefiting from enthusiasm and frustration among portions of its voter base.

He also noted that the Democratic coalition currently includes a higher proportion of high-turnout voters.

That dynamic benefits the party in elections held outside the traditional presidential calendar.

“This dynamic leads Democrats to perform well,” McDonald told USA Today on May 6.

The results in the Michigan special election reinforces the importance of state elections within the national political strategy.

Both Democrats and Republicans are watching these races as indicators ahead of November.

The Michigan contest made clear that even local elections can carry significant national implications.