Dems claim total control of Michigan

Democrats will control all levers of Michigan’s government for the first time in four decades after the party won back majorities of the state House and Senate on Tuesday.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) bested online talk show host Tudor Dixon (R) to win a second term as governor, while Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) beat back Republican challengers to win new terms.

Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate declared victory in key races on Tuesday. Though the Associated Press had not called several battleground contests, state Republicans conceded they would lose the majority for the first time in a dozen years.

In the state House, Democrats say they have won 56 of 110 sets, the barest possible majority — but a majority nonetheless, after Republicans held the same margin going into the elections.

“Michigan’s future will be built on an economy that competes and wins on the global stage, a world-class public education system, and a focus on the liberties and freedoms of all Michiganders – from the voting booth to the doctors office,” House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D) said in a statement. “The incoming Democratic majority represents the people of the state of Michigan and reflects their values, and will work with them to craft a future in this state where working families, small businesses, and local communities are supported.”

State Rep. Joe Tate (D), of Detroit, is expected to become the next House speaker.

Michigan Democrats expect to hold 20 of the 38 seats in the state Senate. Democrats are currently leading in 19 of the 38 seats; if that margin holds, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (D) would cast tie-breaking votes.

“The people of Michigan have spoken, and however narrowly, have chosen Democrats to control the Senate,” outgoing Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) said in a statement. “While not the outcome I was hoping for, I offer my congratulations to my Democratic colleagues. We will do our part for a smooth transition.”

Before the election, Republicans held 22 of 38 seats. Democrats have not held a majority in the state Senate since 1984, one of the longest streaks of continued party control in the nation.

Michigan’s legislature is among the biggest prizes Democrats won on Tuesday, after a decade in which the party has struggled to make up for ground lost to Republicans in the 2010 midterm elections.