Michigan State Senate

Governor Gretchen Whitmer will name state Representative Kyra Harris Bolden to the Michigan Supreme Court early next year. She will replace departing Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Rick Pluta reports.

Veteran journalist Tim Skubick has seen just about everything during his more than 50 years covering Michigan politics. WEMU’s Josh Hakala spoke with him about how he sees Governor Gretchen Whitmer operating with a slim legislative majority.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer formally declared herself the winner of Tuesday’s election as Republican nominee Tudor Dixon conceded the race. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The results are in, and incumbent Democrat, Jeff Irwin, will serve another term as State Senator. Irwin currently represents the 18th district, but redistricting moves him to the newly drawn 15th district. Irwin joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss his plans for the next four years.

The chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will soon be working in Lansing. Democrat Sue Shink was elected in the 14th district State Senate race. Shink joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the wins and priorities as she prepares for a new job.

Democrats take both State Senate seats representing Washtenaw County.

There are many, from all political walks of life, that believe our democracy is in existential crisis. Count former State Senator Lana Pollack of Ann Arbor among them. The midterm elections may hold the long-term future of the environment in the balance. Pollack stopped by the WEMU studios to discuss democracy and environmental policy with our own David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.

For three and a half decades, Republicans have either run the agenda in Lansing or at least had veto power amid Democrats’ shifting fortunes. At no point since 1983 have Democrats simultaneously held the governor’s office, the state House and the Michigan Senate. But Democrats are cautiously eyeing the possibility that this could finally be their year. Rick Pluta has more.

A letter Wednesday from Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office tells members of state boards who ignore their legal responsibilities won’t get state legal assistance. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a multi-million-dollar education spending bill Tuesday. Colin Jackson has more.