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Following the victory of former state Reps. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Lori Stone (D-Warren) in their respective mayoral campaigns, the Michigan House has been split evenly with 54 Democrats and 54 Republicans.

However, Tuesdays special election could bring an end to the split and determine party control of the House.

In Michigans 13th House District, which covers parts of Macomb and Wayne County, including Warren and a small part of Detroit, Democrat Mai Xiong and Republican Ronald Singer each seek to fill Stones vacant seat.

Democrat Peter Herzberg and Republican Josh Powell are vying to fill Colemans vacant seat in Michigans 25th House District in Wayne County.

Democrats are favored to win in each election, as both districts are considered Democratic strongholds.

Since Stone and Colemans resignation, Republicans have argued for shared power in the House, while the rules put in place by both parties at the beginning of session note that a 55-55 split would be needed to demand a shared power agreement.

With 55 votes needed to pass legislation, interparty arguments over power sharing have led to standoffs in the House, and conflict over bipartisan policies.

While the Advance reached out to House Republican Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) and Michigan House Democrats Campaign Chair Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), neither could be reached for comment.

The two special elections in Michigan will be a referendum on the accomplishments of the Democratic trifecta in Michigan. While Republicans in state legislatures across the country are rolling back progress, Michigan Democrats are propelling the state forward. Theyve used their Democratic trifecta to safeguard freedoms and make Michigan work for everyone, said Abhi Rahman, the communications director for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), the arm of the national Democratic Party aimed at electing Democrats in state Legislatures. Electing DLCC Spotlight candidates Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong to protect the majority is essential to ensure that Michigan remains a shining example of the impact of Democrats leading state legislatures, Rahman said.

The Republican State Leadership Committee, which focuses on electing Republicans to state office, did not respond to a request for comment.

In the 13th District, Xiong lists living wages and workers rights, reducing prescription drug costs for seniors, tax cuts for working families, common-sense gun safety laws, investing in education and public transportation, roads and infrastructure and protecting reproductive rights among her priorities. Xiong has also been endorsed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat.

Singer listed lower taxes, creating job opportunities, improving wages and ensuring affordable energy as his priorities. He promised to reduce regulation on business if elected and supported local zoning for energy projects.

In the 25th district, Herzberg, who was also endorsed by Whitmer, is committed to public resources like schools and parks, and will advocate for sustainable waste and energy management, according to a profile from the DLCC.

In an email to the Advance, Herzberg said he would work to ensure his office could receive adequate funding for projects in his district such as:

Herzberg also said he would plan to tackle environmental issues in the 25th district, such as growing landfills, and would work to improve oversight and prevent hazardous waste from being shipped to Michigan.

On his website Powell pledged to support Less government, less regulation, [and] lower taxes. He listed economic growth, education and public safety among his priorities, saying he would reduce regulatory hurdles and lower taxes if elected.

I am dedicated to improving our education system by ensuring all kids in Michigan have the opportunity to go to a school of their choice. Ensuring the safety and security of our communities is also a top priority. I served 6 years as a Military Police officer and I have a degree in criminal justice so I know what our officers need and I will support them, Powells website reads.

In a recording of a Feb. 12 Valentines Day dance hosted by the 6th Congressional District Republican Committee, Powell said he is 100% pro life and that he opposed abortion without exception.

When asked his stance on abortion, Herzberg said I cant support going against the will of the voters, referencing Michigan voters approval of Proposal 3, which enshrines the right to abortion and other forms of reproductive healthcare within the state Constitution.

Originally posted here:
Tuesday's special election is set to determine control of the Michigan House Michigan Advance - Michigan Advance

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