Michigan Residents Demand Representation as Governor Whitmer Stalls on Special Election.

by: John Clore | 3/13/2025 at 9:46 AM

Taxation Without Representation: A District Left Voiceless

For over 54 days, the residents of Michigan’s 35th Senate District—spanning Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland counties—have been without representation, yet they continue to pay their full share of taxes. This blatant taxation without representation is unacceptable, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s failure to call a special election only deepens the frustration of the nearly 300,000 people left voiceless in Lansing.

Protests and Political Neglect

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, just hours before Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State address, protesters from the Great Lakes Bay Region gathered outside the Michigan Capitol, demanding she take action. But instead of addressing this glaring issue, the governor chose to travel to Washington, D.C., to push her own political agenda, neglecting the very people who elected her to serve the state of Michigan first and foremost.

A Seat Left Empty for Political Gain

The district’s Senate seat has remained vacant since Jan. 3, when former State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to assume a congressional role. Since then, Gov. Whitmer has stalled on setting a special election, fueling accusations of political maneuvering. The 35th District was one of the most competitive races in the 2022 election cycle, where McDonald Rivet won with 53% of the vote over Republican Annette Glenn. Now, Republicans argue Whitmer is deliberately delaying the process to maintain her party’s slim 19-18 Senate majority.

Partisan Prioritization Over People

“If there’s an opening on the Democrat side, she’s ‘Johnny on the spot,’ appointing someone within days,” said State Sen. Jim Runestad, newly elected chair of the Michigan Republican Party, calling Whitmer’s actions a clear case of political bias.

Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) echoed these concerns. “The governor talked about being a governor for all Michiganders in her State of the State address,” Schuette said. “She talked about bipartisanship. Well, clearly, she doesn’t think that applies to the people of the 35th State Senate District because there are more than 270,000 Michiganders in Midland, Bay, and Saginaw counties who are unrepresented. They have half of a voice in our state legislature, but they’re paying a full share of taxes. That is not just unfair—it’s fundamentally wrong.”

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Lawmakers and Business Leaders Demand Action

In January, Schuette and fellow State Reps. Timmy Beson (R-Bay City), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), and Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw Township) issued a joint statement condemning the governor’s refusal to act:

“Every day that goes by without a special election being called is a day people across our area will be without the constituent services they expect and deserve. While members of the Michigan House remain committed to answering people’s questions, hearing their concerns, and helping them navigate state government, multiple layers of representation provide the best return for taxpayers.”

This statement was reinforced by a formal request from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Midland Business Alliance, and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, all calling on Whitmer to set the special election without further delay.

Mainstream Media’s Silence

While residents of the 35th District continue to voice their frustration and protest the lack of representation, mainstream media has remained largely silent on the issue. Despite its significant impact on nearly 300,000 Michiganders, major news outlets have failed to cover the protests, the political maneuvering behind the delay, or the voices of those affected. Instead, the issue has been downplayed or ignored entirely, further demonstrating the bias in media coverage when it comes to holding Democratic leaders accountable.

By neglecting to report on this clear case of taxation without representation, the media is complicit in allowing Whitmer’s administration to avoid scrutiny. Residents and lawmakers alike are left wondering: if the roles were reversed and a Republican governor were stalling a special election in a Democratic district, would the media remain just as quiet? The lack of coverage raises serious concerns about journalistic integrity and the willingness of major news outlets to challenge those in power, regardless of party affiliation.

The Time to Act Is Now

Meanwhile, county clerks are preparing to hold two special elections—one primary and one general—to fill the vacancy. Yet, despite mounting pressure, Whitmer has refused to confirm whether she will take action, leaving residents in political limbo.

The people of the 35th District deserve a voice in Lansing, just as every other taxpayer does. The governor must prioritize the needs of Michigan residents over her political ambitions in Washington, D.C. It’s time to stop playing politics and uphold the fundamental principle of representation for all.