LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and newly elected U.S. Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet repeated Democratic talking points in Genesee County this week regarding Medicaid cuts.

However, no word from either about the special election needed to fill McDonald Rivet’s former state senate seat in the 35th district. That seat, which represents 270,000 residents in the Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland areas, has lacked representation since voters elected McDonald Rivet to Congress in November 2024.

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Per Michigan law, the only person who can call a special election is the governor. Whitmer has remained mum on calling the election, but her office said “stay tuned” last week.

Whitmer’s track record indicates she’s quick to call special elections. When two Democratic state representatives won mayoral elections and stepped down in November 2023, Whitmer called for the special elections which filled the seats within months.

Some speculate the reason Whitmer is dragging her feet is because she’s worried about the Senate losing its slight state majority.