Background for free the 35th

In the general election of Nov. 7, 2023, two Democratic state Representatives ran for mayoral seats and won. Kevin Coleman represented the 25th District and Lori Stone of Warren represented the 13th District.

Coleman became mayor of Westland and Stone became mayor of Warren. Six days after the election, both Coleman and Stone were sworn in. Following them tak- ing their mayoral oaths of office, the state House was tied 54-54.

On Nov. 22, Whitmer issued a press release entitled: “Governor Whitmer Calls for Special Election to Fill Vacant House Seats” announcing she sent a letter to Sec- retary of State Jocelyn Benson calling for the special election.

Whitmer set the special primary election for Jan. 30, 2024, and the special general election for April 16. Democrats Peter Herzberg won in the 25th District and Mai Xiong won in the 13th District. Both assumed office on April 30.McDonald Rivet defeated Republican Paul Junge in the general election and was sworn in to the 119th Congress on Jan. 6. It has been three months since the general election and Whitmer has yet to call the special election to fill McDonald Rivet’s seat. Whitmer is leaving those constituents flapping in the cold wind without representation in the Senate.