What Michigan's Democratic trifecta means for Detroit
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Michigan's blue trifecta is back, and that could open new paths for Detroit to meet major goals.
Why it matters: Amid a nationwide blue tsunami Tuesday night, Democrats kept the governor's office and their majority in the state Senate while reclaiming the previously Republican-majority House. That could ease passage of policies crucial for Detroit's growth.
By the numbers: Democrats are expected to hold a majority of 63-47 in the state House and their largest majority in decades in the Senate (23-15), according to Gongwer.
Between the lines: Priorities voiced by Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield — a popular Democrat in a Democratic stronghold — echo those voiced by newly elected Democrats, including helping financially struggling families and expanding affordable housing.
- Some of her goals require state legislative action, including property tax relief and more funding for transit and public safety.
- "Historically, our city has fared better under democratic leadership in Lansing," Sheffield said in a statement Wednesday, adding that she looks forward to building bi-partisan support for meaningful investment in Detroit.
What they're saying: "There's a mandate, there's a desire, there's an urgency … in making sure we bring change to Lansing," state Sen.-elect Justin Onwenu tells Axios.
- Onwenu, whose District 1 includes Detroit, sees opportunities to collaborate with other legislators on issues that'll help Detroiters and their constituents.
- That includes raising wages, creating jobs and improving workers' rights.
Zoom in: Lawmakers should "put their nose down and get to work … immediately" on big election topics like cost of living and utility rates, Scott Holiday, executive director of advocacy group Detroit Action, tells Axios.
- Detroit Action wants to see rent control and new jobs programs explored — and statewide preemption rules lifted so cities can make their own rules, like new taxes.
Flashback: This is the second Democratic trifecta in 40 years, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who said it "sends a clear message that Michiganders want leaders who are focused on lowering costs and getting things done."
- Democrats won the previous trifecta in 2022, broken with a Republican House majority in 2024.
What's next: Gov.-elect Jocelyn Benson pledged to use Democrats' newfound control of Lansing to pass a Michigan Voting Rights Act, legislation that stalled in the Republican-led House.
- "Our Democratic trifecta is going to go to Lansing and pass a voting rights act for the state of Michigan to ensure that every citizen in the state is protected at the ballot box in every election," Benson, a Detroit resident, said in her victory speech Tuesday night.
The bottom line: Democrats have a clearer path to passing their agenda items, but they'll still have to answer for perceived failings from the GOP, like a lack of sufficient progress on K-12 outcomes.