LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After the results of the recent mayoral elections have been announced, the Michigan House of Representatives will be losing two of its Democrat members, eliminating the party’s majority in the chamber.
Representatives Lori Stone (D-Warren) and Representative Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) became the elected mayors of their respective cities last night.
MORE NEWS: Michigan Republicans Unveil New Plan to Boost Student Success
According to results published in Warren, Rep. Stone secured roughly 53% of the votes, just 7% more than her opponent George L. Dimas.
According to an election summary from Westland, Rep. Coleman triumphed over his opponent, interim Mayor Michael Londeau, by more than 18% of the votes. Londeau has been serving as Mayor of Westland since last January.
“We won!! I say “we” because this victory is not mine- It’s yours,” Rep. Coleman said in a Facebook announcement. “As a resident of Westland, you deserve the very best from city government and I intend to deliver the highest quality service and attention from City Hall.”
“I look forward to serving YOU as Mayor of our great City of Westland and updating you on our transition to a new administration and new direction on your behalf at City Hall,” he added.
House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) congratulated the representatives on their achievements.
“Congratulations to two fine public servants Lori Stone and Kevin Coleman on winning their elections for mayor tonight,” he said on social media. “We are entering a new era in Lansing with a House that is now evenly divided 54-54 between Republicans and Democrats.”
He indicated that House Republicans are ready to “work together in the middle to find common ground” but the House Democrats would have to make a choice.
“Together we can forge compromise and achieve the most productive months of the session, or the House Democrat leadership can take their ball and go home until next spring.”
The ball is also in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s court as to when the special election can be held to replace the representatives. With no set deadline, the elections could take place as early as February, to coincide with the presidential primary, or last longer as some elections did during the pandemic.
The latter option would entail sine die, which is Latin for “without a day,” in which the legislature would go into an indefinite recess, without a specified time of return.
“The people of Michigan are counting on us, their elected leaders, to put them first and solve the problems that face our state,” Rep. Hall said on social media. “Let’s get to work!”
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.