LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — With Congress voting to repeal California’s electric vehicle sales mandate, Michigan Democrats are joining Republicans in distancing the state from the policy—and the politics behind it.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin broke ranks May 22 as the only Senate Democrat to support overturning California’s waiver, which allows the state to require 100% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2035. Six Michigan House Democrats also voiced opposition.

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“Michigan is the auto capital of the world, and as Michigan’s U.S. senator, I have a special responsibility to stand up for the more than 1 million Michiganders whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry,” Slotkin said, according to The Detroit News.

Notably, the vote comes as EV policy shapes up to be a defining issue heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township), who led the repeal effort in the House, put it bluntly: “This is not the United States of California. California has no right to dictate what Michigan or the rest of the country does.”

Twelve other states have adopted California’s rule. Michigan has not.

Slotkin warned the policy would force automakers to stop selling gas-powered cars in key markets or pay competitors like Tesla to comply.

 “As of today, not a single one of these states is anywhere near complying with California’s requirements,” Slotkin said.

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Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) said she’s against California’s rule but refused to back the repeal due to how Republicans advanced it.

 “I oppose the California standard because it unfairly targets Michigan manufacturers,” she said. “However, the vote today is more chaos and another abuse of power by President Trump.”

Slotkin promoted incentives to boost U.S. EV production, but drew a line at mandates: “If there’s gonna be a new generation of vehicles, I want that new generation built right here in Michigan, not China,” she said.

EVs have yet to turn consistent profits for automakers. GM says its electric line became “variable profit positive” in late 2024. Ford and Stellantis have not yet matched that.