Key Michigan Takeaways
In January, the Michigan House of Representatives will operate under a merit shop majority of 58-52.
ABC Secured victory in every state seat where we invested resources — specifically the 27th, 44th, 46th, 54th, and 55th districts — successfully clinching each one.
The chair of the House Labor Committee, who spearheaded the repeal of the right-to-work law, reinstated the prevailing wage, and limited industry opportunities for new apprentices, lost his seat.
According to the AP, over 40% of Michigan voters said the economy was the most important issue facing the country in 2024.
Other Races
Trump secured both the presidency and a victory in Michigan.
The U.S. Senate flips to GOP control. Elissa Slotkin narrowly wins Michigan by less than 20,000 votes.
ABC-endorsed congressional candidates John James and Tom Barrett have been declared winners; however, the outcome for the U.S. House of Representatives remains uncertain.
State Sentator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D) secured victory in the highly contested 8th Congressional District election, creating a vacancy in her State Senate seat effective January. With Democrats holding a narrow one-seat majority in the State Senate, maintaining control of the chamber in 2025 will depend on winning a special election to preserve a 20-18 advantage. The decision to declare a special election lies with Governor Whitmer; there is no immediate obligation for her to do so.
What's Next — Lame Duck
Now that the election is over and the results for the Michigan House are in, the current non-merit shop majorities have a limited opportunity until the end of the year to pass new legislation.
This shakeup means that outgoing leadership and unions will strongly push for unfriendly legislation, like reinstating costly and uncompetitive project labor agreements, lowering journey-to-apprenticeship ratios, and creating more barriers for those wanting to work as independent contractors, along with other policies opposed by ABC.
ABC will continue to be vigilant and advocate for fair and open competition in the construction industry during this time. The lame-duck situation was inevitable, but we’ve already started to work. Once we see where we stand, we’ll begin engaging and strategically leveraging merit shop dollars.
Looking Ahead — The Next Legislative Session
The results of the Michigan House elections indicate a shift toward merit shop values and policies.
A divided government will result in slower legislative changes, but these changes are more likely to gain consensus.
As a new legislature begins in January, ABC will be positioned to advocate against and prevent policies that hinder free enterprise, fair competition, and job growth within the construction industry.
