LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The 270,000 Michiganders in the state’s 35th Senate District have been without a senator for more than 200 days after newly elected U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) resigned from her post Jan. 3.

Michigan law.

In such cases, Michigan law dictates the governor to call a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the term. But Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has yet to call for one. 

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“We expect an announcement will be made in the near future,” Whitmer spokesperson Stacey LaRouche said Wednesday in a text message obtained by Michigan Advance. “We will keep you posted.”

Taxation without representation.

Michiganders are speaking up and demanding representation in the Senate. 

State Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) addressed the district’s lack of representation.

“It is reasonable to call on @GovWhitmer to post for a special election for the 35th senate seat, especially before she visits any other countries for a diplomatic visit,” he said in a post on X.

Changing the rules.

Currently, only the governor has the power to call a special election, and that decision is left to his or her discretion. However, two lawmakers are looking to change that.

Representative Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers) and Bill Schuette (R-Midland) introduced House Bills 4652-53 in June. Those bills would require the governor to announce the date of the special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature within 30 days after the vacancy occurs. In addition, it would require the state to hold the special election within 180 days after the vacancy occurs.

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Those bills are currently in committee.

Candidates mobilize.

Several Democrats and a Republican have already launched their campaigns for the seat.

Among the Democrats, Michigan State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh and former Bridgeport Township trustee Brandell Adams have announced plans to run when Whitmer calls the special election. Republican Chadwick Twillman also launched his campaign.

“It seems like Gov. Whitmer is very intent on doing the most political thing, because it seems like they’re afraid they’re going to lose the seat to Republicans,” Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) said in a post on X. “It’s blatantly political, partisan politics that they’re playing.”