Benson Takes Office With Full Control

Michigan politics shifted decisively on Tuesday as Democrats secured control of the state government.

Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson defeated her Republican opponent and claimed a clear mandate to lower costs and improve public services.

She stated that voters asked for leaders who work together to grow the economy and reduce monthly expenses for families.

Democrats flipped 11 seats in the state House and three in the Senate during the election.

The new legislative session in 2027 will feature a House split of 63 to 47 and a Senate split of 23 to 15.

This marks the largest shift in power in the state House since 1964.

Benson takes office on January 1, succeeding term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

She plans to identify quick relief measures in her first days, starting with utility bills.

Benson suggested she may work with President Donald Trump on tariff solutions or recruit employers with high-paying jobs.

During a recent debate, she said she would call Canada to negotiate a contract eliminating tariffs.

After the election, she offered to work with Trump to protect Michigan residents from tariff harms.

The state faces fiscal uncertainty due to policy changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, though the source references the One Big Beautiful Bill without a year, so we stick to the bill name only or implied context. Actually, the source says 'One Big Beautiful Bill' which is the 2025 bill. I will refer to it as the One Big Beautiful Bill as per source text to be safe, or just 'policy changes' if needed. The source says 'policy changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill'. I will use that phrase if it fits, or just 'federal policy changes'. Let's stick to the source's phrasing if possible, but rephrase. 'Federal policy changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill' is accurate to the source's implication. Wait, the source says 'policy changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill'. I will use 'federal tax and spending changes' to be safe and concrete, or quote the specific bill name if I can attribute it. The source mentions 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. I will use that. Bob Schneider, a research associate at the Citizens Research Council, said the fiscal picture is not bright if the agenda depends on new money. He warned that changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid payments could create a substantial deficit. Revenue estimates finalized in January could show the state is $700 million in the hole. Schneider noted a recent surge in revenue from tariff refunds might balance the budget instead. Winnie Brinks, Benson's running mate and current Senate Majority Leader, said the world changed a lot on election day. She said this change may impact what is possible for the new administration. Brinks, who will become Senate president, said she is not getting ahead of herself on legislative goals. Michigan has the sixth-highest gas tax in the nation at 52.4 cents per gallon. Gas prices remain well over $4 per gallon. Benson said reducing the gas tax is a short-term option. She also said the state must restructure its budget process to find new revenue sources and streamline spending. The Department of Treasury reports that 98 percent of funds from the gas tax go to state and local road agencies. Michigan is projected to be the only state that fully exempts the governor's office and Legislature from public records laws. Benson promised to voluntarily submit her office to the Freedom of Information Act on day one. She said her administration will begin this process on January 1. Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure this week expanding its public records law to include similar officeholders. Critics say Michigan's current Freedom of Information Act process has loopholes that lead to high costs and delays. Observers warn that a friendly Legislature does not guarantee smooth sailing. Brandon Dillon, a lobbyist and former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said the new caucus includes moderates and Democratic socialists. He predicted the Legislature will be more assertive and less deferential to the governor. Dillon said Benson will need strong personal relationships with legislative leadership to pass bills. Tom Leonard, a former Republican House speaker, said Benson will likely be more hands-on with policymaking than Whitmer was recently. Leonard said a broad majority can make it harder to pass bills because members may hold out for their own asks. He described the situation as rewarding but taxing for the governor.