Election Recap: Michigan House Flips to GOP

While several close races nationwide remain too close to call, the Michigan election results have been largely determined.

Michigan House

As election day approached, the House races were anticipated to be competitive, with the Democratic Party's slim majority at stake. GOP candidates secured a 58-52 majority, ending the Democratic trifecta and initiating a period of divided government. 

Republicans flipped the 58th House District in Macomb, the 27th House District in Downriver, the 44th House District covering parts of Calhoun County, including Battle Creek, and the 109th House District in the Upper Peninsula, anchored by Marquette. The GOP candidates in all four seats defeated Democratic incumbent lawmakers. In the 58th and 44th Districts, incumbents seeking fourth terms lost with Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte), Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), Rep. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) and Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) being unseated. 

Nationwide

Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin has been called as the winner for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, vacated by Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Meanwhile, Republicans are set to take control of the U.S. Senate with at least 52 seats. Slotkin's race, however may be subject to a recount as the margin falls within the 0.5% threshold for an automatic review. Democrats are hopeful they can still take the House of Representatives, as many seats were still not called as of mid-day Thursday. Doing so would allow them to check the gains made by Republicans.

With the White House and U.S. Senate shifting to Republican control, the potential impact on family medicine in Michigan and across the United States remains uncertain. The next few years will present challenges and opportunities to the Academy and family physicians as we work to navigate a new government landscape while providing the best possible care to patients.