Democrats regained the majority in the Michigan House of Representatives after two special elections, taking back complete control of the state’s government.

“Mai Xiong won the special election in the 13th District, which covers Warren and part of Detroit, while Peter Herzberg won in the 25th District, which contains the cities of Wayne and Westland,” the Associated Press reports.

Both districts lean heavily Democrat.

From the Associated Press:

The lower chamber has been tied 54-54 between Democratic and Republican lawmakers since November, when two Democratic representatives vacated their seats after winning mayoral races in their hometowns.

Democrats flipped both chambers in the 2022 midterms while maintaining control of the governor’s office to win a trifecta for the first time in 40 years. They moved quickly to roll back decades of Republican measures and implement the party’s agenda in their first year, including overhauling the state’s gun laws.

Since the House deadlocked, Republicans have pushed to pass legislation they say is bipartisan, such as a government transparency package, which would open the Legislature and governor’s office up to public record requests.

With each Democratic candidate winning Tuesday, the party will regain control through the end of the year, with every seat in the House up for reelection in November.

Bridge Michigan reports:

Up for grabs was a seat in the 13th House district, which covers parts of Warren and Detroit. Democrat Mai Xiong won with 66% of the vote, compared to 34% for Republican Ronald Singer, according to unofficial results.

Xiong, a Macomb County commissioner since 2020, has said her background as a refugee, mom and small business owner gives her unique insight into the needs of her constituents.

“I’ve cherished the opportunities this state has provided, from receiving a higher education to finding meaningful employment, starting a business, and raising a family,” Xiong said Tuesday night in a victory statement.

“There is still work to be done to ensure that every family has a fair chance to thrive.”

The other seat, in the 25th House district, covers most of Westland, all of Wayne and smaller portions of Canton Township and Dearborn Heights.

There, Democrat Peter Herzberg won with 60% of the vote, topping Republican Josh Powell at 38%, according to unofficial results.

Herzberg is a Westland City Council member who defeated five other Democrats in the January special primary.

 

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