WASHINGTON — In critical majority-defending special elections in the Michigan House, DLCC Spotlight candidates Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong emerged victorious, protecting the Democratic trifecta and delivering a strong rebuke of GOP extremism. Herzberg’s opponent, Josh Powell, opposed abortion without exception – tonight’s Democratic victories illustrate yet again the power of abortion on the ballot. Herzberg and Xiong will join Democrats in the Michigan House and continue to lead the fight for the progress that Michiganders deserve, which the Democratic trifecta has advanced since the legislature was secured in 2022. Democrats have been the driving force behind progressive policy that improves Michiganders’ lives, including life-saving gun safety legislation and expanded access to reproductive health care.
This is just the latest in a long line of Democratic victories in special elections – from flipping a seat in Florida earlier this year, to a majority-deciding victory in Pennsylvania in February, to flipping a seat in Alabama by a whopping 25 points last month. These victories bode well for Democrats in November – particularly tonight’s victory in Michigan, given the state is a key battleground with competitive races up and down the ballot. The DLCC is committed to seizing each opportunity to defend and expand Democratic power in Michigan in 2024, the year of the states.
MI House Rep.-elect Mai Xiong issued the following statement:
“I am incredibly humbled for the overwhelming support of the voters of the 13th House District, who have chosen me to represent our community as the next State Representative. Michigan holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a beacon of hope for me and my family. I’ve cherished the opportunities this state has provided, from receiving a higher education to finding meaningful employment, starting a business, and raising a family. There is still work to be done to ensure that every family has a fair chance to thrive. Having had parents who fled war and persecution, to being born in a refugee camp where there was no electricity, clean running water, or medical care, I am immensely grateful for the journey that has led me to a position where I can now give back to the community that has given me and my family so much. Together with the continued support of the residents in the 13th House District, I am confident that we will make meaningful progress toward a more equitable and prosperous future for all.”
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Tonight’s elections were a referendum on the mission of Michigan’s Democratic trifecta, and voters declared they want Democrats to keep advancing the state forward. Michigan has been a shining example of what can be accomplished when Democrats are in control – from action on gun violence to expanding health care access. Voters want their fundamental freedoms protected, and tonight’s elections delivered a clear rebuke of GOP extremism and attacks on reproductive care. With tonight’s wins, Speaker Joe Tate and the Democratic majority can continue Democrats’ important progress in Michigan. Momentum is on our side in Michigan and across the country, and the DLCC is committed to making 2024 the year of the states.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
###
