Democrats Retain Control of Michigan State Senate With Greene’s Special Election Win

Democrat says the special election victory marks the start of a blue wave.

Chedrick Greene, Democratic candidate for 35th Senate District, speaks in Saginaw, Mich., on May 5, 2026. Paul Sancya/AP Photo

SAGINAW, Mich.—Democrat Chedrick Greene defeated Republican Jason Tunney in a special election for the state Senate’s District 35 seat, preserving Democratic control of the Senate.

The Michigan Senate consists of 38 seats; Democrats held a 19–18 majority, with Greene now giving them a two-vote cushion of 20–18. All the Senate seats will be back up for election in November, including District 35.