Rep. Sam Singh Looks To Lead Democrats In GOP-Dominated Lansing
Trump “tsunami” dashes Dems’ hopes of regaining control of the state House.
Last week’s election didn’t just decide who will lead the country in the coming years. It also solidified Republican control over every branch of state government.
In the wake of the Flint water crisis, Democrats in the Michigan House thought they saw an opening to take back control of the chamber.
But those hopes were dashed with the Trump wave that swept down-ballot races in Michigan. Democrats ended up gaining zero seats in the state House and Minority Leader Tim Greimel announced he wouldn’t run again to lead the caucus.
Republicans have selected state Rep. Tom Leonard (DeWitt Twp.) as the next state House speaker, replacing term-limited Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant). And House Democrats chose Rep. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) to lead them.
Singh joins Detroit Today to talk about the election, the transition, and what power – if any – Democrats have to push their agenda in Lansing in this political environment.
“We definitely were surprised by the results on Tuesday,” says Singh.
“Often times, what we will be is the loyal opposition where we actually will show the contrast of what we would be, what we would actually support as Democrats versus what’s being proposed by Republicans,” he says.
To hear the full conversation, click on the audio player above.
