Michigan Democrats, Republicans React to Midterm Results

Rep. Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman-elect Elissa Slotkin, State Sen. Phil Pavlov, and Rep. Dan Kildee join Detroit Today.

a woman in a blue blazer speaks into a microphone in front of an American flag

Rep. Elissa Slotkin in 2017.

Laura Weber Davis/WDET

Ballots were cast, races were won and lost, and at the end of election day 2018 the political world had changed, significantly.

In Michigan, more Democrats, and more women will be in charge. In the nation, the same dynamic unfolded, with political firsts around the country.

If you were following this election season closely, you may not have been surprised by the results.

Democrats had decisive victories in major races in Michigan, and won a couple squeakers.

Perhaps the most intriguing news of the night was the passage of three proposals that will dramatically alter our state. 

What does it all mean? And will the demographic change matter in governance?

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson breaks down the results and their significance with a number of well-known public officials from Michigan.

First, Rep. Debbie Dingell talks about the so-called “blue wave” and “pink wave” narratives that swirled around this election, as well as the changing nature of the U.S. House now that Democrats have won back control of the chamber.

State Sen. Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) also joins the program to talk about the end of eight years of full Republican control of state government in Michigan.

Democrat Elissa Slotkin appears to be headed to congress from Michigan’s 11th District after incumbent Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) conceded that race late in the night. She also joins Henderson to talk about her victory.

Finally, Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint Twp.), who won reelection for his fourth term Congress, joins the show.

Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.