LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A shift in power is taking shape in Lansing as lawmakers select leaders ahead of Democrats taking control of both legislative chambers in January.
A new Senate leader
Senate Democrats selected Sen. Darrin Quiroz Camilleri, D-Trenton, as their next majority leader. According to Senate Democrats, the 34-year-old will be the youngest Senate majority leader in the country and the first Latino to lead the chamber in Michigan.
“I’m honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead our caucus through the next four years,” Camilleri said in a press release.
“Voters sent a clear message on Tuesday. They are fed up with the kind of politics that has repeatedly ignored the needs of working-class families,” he said.
Democrats will hold a 23-15 majority in the Michigan Senate when the new legislative session begins in January.
Camilleri will succeed Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, who was elected lieutenant governor alongside Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson.
Democrats also selected Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, as their next majority floor leader.
Republicans choose Hauck
Senate Republicans elected Sen. Roger Hauck, R-Mount Pleasant, to lead their caucus.
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“We have a strong team ready to tackle the challenges facing Michigan families,” Hauck said.
House leadership takes shape
House Republicans selected Rep. Tom Kunse, R-Clare, as their next caucus leader as they prepare to move into the minority. Republican Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, remains speaker for the current term.
Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, currently leads House Democrats and is considered the likely next speaker. The Democrats lead in the Michigan House 62-47.
Democrats regain unified control
Democrats flipped 11 Republican-held House seats and expanded their Senate majority by three seats.
In addition, Democrats claimed victories in the races for governor, secretary of state and attorney general.
