Great Lakes Wire

Restoration News has reported that Governor Gretchen Whitmer is under scrutiny and facing a lawsuit for not calling a special election to fill Michigan's 35th State Senate seat. This delay has left approximately 270,000 residents without representation for nearly eight months.

According to Restoration News, the vacancy arose on January 3 when Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to assume her position in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since then, Governor Whitmer has not issued a writ of election to fill the district, despite having the constitutional authority to do so. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt noted that this delay is the "longest in modern history," highlighting that constituents have been deprived of representation on significant issues such as a $3 billion road funding package and an $800 million income tax cut.

Restoration News further reported that attorney Phillip Ellison filed a lawsuit on August 11 in Saginaw County Circuit Court on behalf of seven district residents. The lawsuit contends that Whitmer’s inaction "undermines public trust" in the democratic process and "erodes the legitimacy of enacted laws." Ellison emphasized that while the Michigan Constitution mandates governors to "issue writs of election," it does not specify a deadline, prompting him to request court intervention for action within seven days.

The outlet also noted that prominent Democrats have urged Whitmer to call the election. The editorial board of the Detroit Free Press recommended swift action from the governor to restore representation, pointing out that residents in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties are being denied their voice in Lansing. Attorney General Dana Nessel has also called for Whitmer to proceed with the election, indicating bipartisan criticism of the delay.

Restoration News highlighted potential political motivations behind the delay, mentioning that McDonald Rivet narrowly won her district in 2022 by fewer than 8,000 votes. Analysts suggest Republicans could potentially win the seat in a special election, which would eliminate Democrats’ one-seat majority in the Michigan Senate. Some speculate Whitmer’s hesitation may be linked to national ambitions, as losing could weaken her legislative agenda and affect her prospects as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.

According to its official website, Restoration News is an investigative media outlet focusing on politics, culture, and local governance through original reporting and commentary. It positions itself as an alternative to mainstream media by covering stories it believes are overlooked or underreported. Its mission is said as exposing corruption and mismanagement while providing fact-driven journalism aimed at holding public officials accountable.