Story perspectives

Republican Senate Hopeful Cites Gas Prices, Race Could Tie Chamber

5/5/2026

Center

Tunney Warns

Republican nominee Jason Tunney warned soaring gas prices from the Middle East conflict could hurt his May 5 special-election prospects.
Voters in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties will elect a state senator on May 5 2026 to fill Kristen McDonald Rivet’s vacated seat.
A win would tie the Senate 19-19, giving Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II the tie-breaker.
Labor groups contributed $404,000 to Greene, while the Senate Republican Committee gave Tunney $398,000.

Left

Voters Decide

Voters will decide on 35 school district bond proposals, including a $175 million request in Roseville, the ballot’s largest.
Jason Tunney faces Chedrick Greene in 35th district, which win would tie 19-19 and give Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist vote.
School bond approval fell from 64.6% in November 2025 to 49% in May 2025.
Vacancy lasted 500 days after Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet joined Congress, leaving Senate balance uncertain.

1 of 2

Tunney Warns

Republican nominee Jason Tunney warned soaring gas prices from the Middle East conflict could hurt his May 5 special-election prospects.
Voters in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties will elect a state senator on May 5 2026 to fill Kristen McDonald Rivet’s vacated seat.
A win would tie the Senate 19-19, giving Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II the tie-breaker.
Labor groups contributed $404,000 to Greene, while the Senate Republican Committee gave Tunney $398,000.

1 / 2