Michigan Democrats in the state House of Representatives regained their majority with a pair of special election victories yesterday to represent metro Detroit-based districts left vacant after elections last year. And now they can do stuff again! Via the Detroit Free Press:
Democrat Mai Xiong — a current Macomb County commissioner — won the 13th state House district’s special election with 65% of the vote against Republican Ronald Singer who secured 34% of the vote to represent part of Detroit and part of Warren, according to unofficial results.
Democrat Peter Herzberg — a current Westland City Council member — won 60% of the vote in the 25th state House district’s special election against Republican Josh Powell — who won 38% of the vote — and U.S. Taxpayer candidate Robert Stano who secured 2% of the vote, per unofficial results. Herzberg will go on to represent all of Wayne along with parts of Canton Township, Dearborn Heights and Westland.
Xiong and Herzberg celebrated their election. Having had parents who fled war and persecution, to being born in a refugee camp where there was no electricity, clean running water, or medical care, I am immensely grateful for the journey that has led me to a position where I can now give back to the community that has given me and my family so much,” Xiong wrote post on Facebook.
Herzberg said he’s excited to start moving Democratic priorities once he’s sworn in as a state lawmaker. “The new majority gives room for Democrats to move forward several pieces of legislation regarding labor, healthcare and so much more that effects working families,” he said in a Facebook post.
This was not unexpected, but you never know what kind of last-minuter fuckery Republicans are going to pull. So celebrate every victory!
