MichMash: Brinks discusses current legislature, open Senate seat, road funding and more
The Democratic Senate majority leader discussed the significance of Michigan’s open Senate seat, the state legislature, her plans for the future and more.
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) joined "MichMash" to talk about how the legislature has fared so far.
It’s been more than 100 days since Michigan’s 35th district has had representation. When will there be a special election to fill the seat? This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasben sat down with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. She discusses the significance of that seat, the current status of the state legislature, road funding and her plans for the future.
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In this episode:
- The status of the open Senate seat in Michigan’s 35th district
- Brinks on how well the legislature has been working with each other
- Brinks’ plans after the end of her term
Brinks shared that the 2025 legislature has shown potential for bipartisanship despite the unprecedented occurrences these last couple of months.
“In terms of the entire legislature being able to work together across the aisle — I think we’ve proven it’s possible,” she said. “Still some potential for improvement there.”
The Senate majority leader also acknowledged that things are a bit “antagonistic” in the state House.
The 35th Senate district seat is still vacant, and despite Senate Democrats handling constituent work in that area, Brinks believes when the time comes the state Democrats will produce a candidate to cover the seat.
“It’s going to be critical that we maintain that seat so that we can maintain the majority,” she said. “We stand in an incredibly positive position when it comes to our chances of maintaining it.”
Brinks shared examples like in Pennsylvania, where a state Democrat won in a race that went for Trump by nearly 15 points. It is up to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call for a special election.
More from WDET:
- MichMash: The road ahead with incoming Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
- Republicans urge road funding revision as Legislature resumes lame duck session this week
- MichMash: Michigan AG discusses legal challenges to Trump, open US Senate seat
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