Lansing, MI – Today marks 88 days since 270,000 Michiganders had full representation in Lansing. While Governor Whitmer plays politics with the Senate District 35 vacancy, Governor DeSantis of Florida reminds us that it’s possible to promptly fill vacancies and protect the people’s right to representation.
On January 20, 2025, former Congressman Mike Waltz resigned from Congress to serve as President Trump’s National Security Advisor. Nearly two months before Waltz even formally resigned, DeSantis had already scheduled a special election with a general election set for today. This is in stark contrast with Governor Whitmer’s handling of the Senate District 35 vacancy, where her inaction has officially reached historic proportions.
“There’s absolutely no reason why 270,000 Michiganders should still be in the dark for this long about their own voice in government,” said Zach Rudat, Advocacy Director for Michigan Freedom Fund. “Whether we’re looking at the example of Governor Ron DeSantis, or even Governor Whitmer’s own recent history, we have multiple case studies of quick turnarounds on special elections. There’s no reason why the Great Lakes Bay Region shouldn’t be given the same prompt opportunity.”
Just two years ago during the narrow Democrat trifecta, Governor Whitmer was quick to schedule special elections for two State House vacancies in safe Democrat districts. The elections were announced within days of the vacancies in November of 2023, and concluded in April the following year.
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