Democrats kept their grip on the Michigan senate Tuesday after Chedrick Greene won a special election in a closely watched swing district.

Greene, a firefighter and Marine veteran, defeated Republican Jason Tunney in Michigan’s 35th senate district, according to local results cited in reports. The district covers parts of Bay and Saginaw counties, areas that often reflect the state’s broader political divide. Reports indicate Greene won more than 58% of the vote, while Tunney took 39%.

Key Facts

  • Chedrick Greene won the special election in Michigan’s 35th senate district.
  • The victory allows Democrats to retain control of the state senate for the rest of the year.
  • Local results indicate Greene received more than 58% of the vote, compared with 39% for Jason Tunney.
  • The district includes parts of Bay and Saginaw counties, two politically competitive areas.

The margin stood out because the district did not look like easy ground for either party. The summary of the race describes it as an overperformance for Democrats, especially in a constituency that former vice-president Kamala Harris won by just a single percentage point in 2024. That gap suggests Greene ran well ahead of the recent top-of-ticket baseline in a place both parties see as winnable.

The result gives Democrats breathing room in Lansing, but it also turns this seat into an early test for the next midterm fight.

The win settles one immediate question in Lansing while opening another. Greene now heads to the state senate with Democrats still in control, but reports suggest he will need to defend the seat again in the midterms. Tunney has already vowed to run again, signaling that Republicans do not see Tuesday’s result as the end of the contest.

What happens next matters beyond one district. Both parties will study whether Greene’s showing reflects candidate strength, local dynamics, or a broader shift in voter mood in competitive parts of Michigan. If Democrats can repeat that performance in similar districts, they may strengthen their hand heading into 2026; if Republicans regroup quickly, this race may look less like a trend and more like a warning shot before a tougher rematch.