(The Center Square) – The outcome of two mayoral races Tuesday could deadlock the Michigan House.
Democratic state Reps. Lori Stone of Warren and Kevin Coleman of Westland are running in their respective mayoral races. If they are elected, the House will face a 54-54 deadlock until a special session fills those seats.
Bills require support from a ⅔ majority, at least 56 votes out of 110, or require 90 days to become law – another reason lawmakers must adjoin by late November.
If both House Democrat lawmakers are elected, then House Democrats will still craft legislative agendas but won’t have the votes required to enact legislation without Republican votes.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can call a special election when those seats are vacated if those lawmakers win mayoral election.
The upcoming election is one reason why Michigan Democrats passed a 2040 renewable energy standard and solar and renewable energy siting override, wiped $114 million of school debt, approved a local government revenue sharing plan and approved financial disclosures last week.
The winner of the mayoral race will be sworn in at a date determined when the county certifies the election, according to the Warren City Clerk’s office.
In Westland, the winner of the mayoral race will be sworn in Nov. 17 or a few days later, according to the city clerk’s office.
In February, Whitmer signed a bill to move the presidential primary to earlier in the 2024 primary season. Senate Bill 13 advances Michigan’s primary from the second Tuesday in March to Feb. 24, and the fourth Tuesday in February in each presidential election year after 2024.
