The two-term lawmaker, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former football player will make history as Michigan’s first Black House Speaker.
Lauren Gibbons
Lauren covers state politics and policy for Bridge Michigan. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive, where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Lauren grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. Reach her at lgibbons@bridgemi.com or on Twitter @LaurenMGibbons
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan recount: Big expense, very few changed votes, results show
A conservative group wrote a $400K+ check for a partial recount of Proposals 2 and 3. Some money will be refunded. The recount resulted in a net change of less than 120 votes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan redistricting commission sues for funding, long after finishing maps
The panel, which was unfunded by the Legislature in the current fiscal year, is seeking $3.17 million.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Right-to-Work battle looms in Michigan: Businesses fear repeal by Democrats
Business leaders warn against picking a divisive fight and urge Democrats to work with Republicans to improve Michigan’s business climate. Data is inconclusive on how the anti-union law impacted Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lame duck looks lamer by the day. Here’s what’s left on the table.
Anything could happen in the Michigan Legislature before the end of the year, but it appears likely that very little will happen prior to Democrats taking the majority in January.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Businesses to Michigan GOP: Slow minimum wage increase while you’re in power
Michigan’s minimum wage is set to spike to $12 in February. Some business groups want Republicans to rein in the increase before they lose control of Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan election results official; canvassers rebuke ‘reckless’ fraud claims
The Board of State Canvassers certifies wins by Gretchen Whitmer, Dana Nessel and others and warns a handful of losing candidates to stop spreading ‘baseless allegations.’
Posted inMichigan Government
No-fault insurance reform may be in play as Democrats take power in Michigan
Crash victims and their health care providers may get the opportunity to tweak a 2019 overhauling no-fault health law during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s second term.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republican leader: Donald Trump doomed Michigan candidates this year
Speaking one day after the former president announced his campaign to regain the White House, a top Michigan GOP official says Trump’s influence on the party scared away political donors.
Posted inMichigan Government
Tough year for incumbents: Nine Michigan legislators tossed out by voters
Three incumbents lost their seats this week, bringing the total for the cycle to nine sitting lawmakers who ran and lost.