LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II thinks it’s time his boss call a special election to fill an empty Michigan Senate seat.

The months have dragged on since residents in Michigan’s 35th Senate District seat had representation in Lansing, and only Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can remedy the situation by calling a special election. That district, which includes parts of Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, used to be represented by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet. She was elected to Congress and sworn in on Jan. 3.

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Gilchrist spoke to the media this week and said he’s spent time in that district. “It is the governor’s prerogative to call that election,” Gilchrist said. “I think that people are certainly ready for it. I’ve spent time in the district. They’re ready.”

McDonald Rivet served in Lansing during a Democratic stronghold. After the 2022 election, Democrats controlled the top three state offices and both chambers in Lansing. In 2024, voters flipped the Michigan House to a Republican majority.

Currently, Democrats hold a slim majority in the Senate with 19 seats. Republicans hold 18.

Gov. Whitmer cannot run for governor again due to term limits, and Gilchrist is one of several Democrats who is running to succeed her.