Opinion | An empty chair, a missing voice: Legislative limbo in Lansing

A vacant desk in Michigan’s state Senate chamber remains untouched, gathering dust as days turn into months. The 35th Senate District is without a voice, leaving more than 270,000 Michiganians unheard in Lansing. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a clear responsibility to set a special election to fill this critical seat, yet her silence on the matter has been deafening. More than 130 days have elapsed since former state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet won a seat in Congress, and months have passed since she officially resigned from the Michigan Senate. Yet, the governor has not acted, leaving her constituents in legislative limbo. 

Recently, citizens from the Great Lakes Bay Region boarded buses and traveled to Lansing, demanding their right to full representation. They stood at the State Capitol Building, their message loud and clear, just ahead of the governor’s annual State of the State address. But did their voices reach her ears? So far, all we’ve gotten is silence.

History shows that Gov. Whitmer is more than capable of moving swiftly when it suits her agenda. Over the past six years, she has called 10 special elections to fill legislative vacancies, typically taking an average of 17 days to announce them. Yet, in this case, she drags her feet. 

She hasn’t been too busy to make time for book tours and globetrotting — with high-profile stops in San Francisco, Martha’s Vineyard, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Spain, Dubai, and, most recently, Arizona. The governor’s itinerary has been full, but for the people of the 35th Senate District, still waiting on her decision, there has been nothing but delays. 

In contrast, Governor Whitmer acted with urgency, announcing special election dates within 24 hours, for state House districts last year. What’s different this time? Why the holdup? Why are these Michigan voters being forced to wait? Reports indicate the delay is, in part, because Michigan Democrats are weary of their slate of potential candidates in a matchup with a Republican rising star – Rep. Bill G. Schuette – as our likely nominee. 

During her recent State of the State address, the governor claimed, “I’ve been to all 83 counties — at least twice – and sat down with all kinds of people. When you show up and listen, it’s clear that most of us want the same things, and we’re all frustrated by the same things too.” Perhaps she should return to Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, where frustration is mounting over her failure to ensure these voters have the representation they deserve. 

She also stated that “collaboration has always been [her] north star” and that governing means working “with anyone to get things done.” If that’s the case, she should allow the people of the 35th District to elect their next senator without further delay. This decision isn’t hers to make — it belongs to the voters. 

The balance of power in the Michigan Senate should not rest on one politician’s inaction. Whether the chamber becomes a 19-19 tie or shifts back to a 20-18 majority is not for Gov. Whitmer, nor any single elected official, to decide. It is a decision for the people of the district. 

Talk is cheap, but leadership demands action. Our nation’s founding principles are rooted in a government of, by, and for the people. The residents of the 35th District are not second-class citizens, and they should not be treated as an afterthought. Gov. Whitmer must stop delaying. The time for excuses is over. Michigan deserves a full and functioning state Senate, and the people of the 35th District deserve their rightful representation. 

Governor, do your job — call the special election now.