Full Breakdown
Democrats Retain Michigan Senate Majority in 35th District Special Election
5/6/2026, 6:11:36 AM
The Election Result
Democrat Chedrick Greene won Michigan’s 35th Senate District special election on May 5, 2026, securing a 20-18 Democratic majority in the state Senate. Greene defeated Republican Jason Tunney and Libertarian Ali Sledz, filling a seat vacant since January 2025.
Background and Stakes
The seat opened when Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet moved to the U.S. House in Jan 2025. Democrats have held a state trifecta since 2022 but lost the House in 2024, leaving a one-seat Senate edge that requires 20 votes to pass bills.
Candidates and Endorsements
Greene, a Saginaw firefighter, Marine veteran, and former Senate aide, was backed by Gov. Whitmer, Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Slotkin. Tunney, an attorney and ex-prosecutor, campaigned with Rep. John James. Libertarian Sledz, an Army spouse, placed third.
Vote Totals
Early tallies gave Greene a 20-22-point lead. NBC said 55 % of expected votes were counted with Greene ahead by 22 points; the AP reported 60 % for Greene and 38 % for Tunney at 94 % tabulation; the Detroit News showed 59 % to 39 %.
Legislative Impact
With a 20-18 Democratic Senate, the party can pass bills without GOP votes, while the Republican-controlled House (58-52) still requires bipartisan deals. The result is seen as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms.
Official Statements
Gov. Whitmer said voters rejected Republican policies that raised gas, grocery, housing and health-care costs. DLCC President Heather Williams called the win strong Democratic momentum for November. GOP chair Jim Runestad said Democrats outspent Republicans about ten-to-one.
Criticism & Opposition
Republicans charged Whitmer of delaying the election for political gain, leaving the district unrepresented for 500 days. Runestad warned the result should not be read as a national barometer.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Greene’s share: NBC cites 55 % of expected votes, AP 60 % of counted votes, Detroit News 59 %. Reported margins range 20-22 points.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, voters put a check on Republican policies which have led to skyrocketing gas prices and higher costs of groceries, housing, and health care,” — Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
- “If we win the seat ... it's going to be looking good all the way down.” — Jim Runestad, Michigan Republican Party Chair
- “This is a tough race to win in any environment, but they’ve stacked the deck with the spending.” — Jason Roe, Republican strategist
What's Next
Greene will serve the remaining eight months and run as incumbent in the Aug 2026 primary. Tunney plans to contest the November general election. Both parties will watch the district as a midterm bellwether.
