Chedrick Greene was sworn into the Michigan State Senate on Thursday, restoring the chamber to full strength and returning Democrats to their narrow 20-18 majority. The Saginaw fire captain and former U.S. Marine won the special election for the 35th Senate District on May 5, defeating Republican Jason Tunney and Libertarian Ali Sledz with nearly 60% of the vote.
A seat vacant for a year and a half
The 35th District had sat empty since Kristen McDonald-Rivet (D-Bay City) left the Senate to take her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. McDonald-Rivet's departure had shrunk the Democratic caucus's margin to a single vote over Republicans.
Greene's swearing-in by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist ended the vacancy and restored the chamber's full complement of 38 members. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) welcomed Greene back into the fold.
Budget talks and split control
Greene enters a Legislature divided along party lines. The Democratic-led Senate and the Republican-led House have passed competing budget proposals, and Greene said he plans to help bridge the gap.
"In the coming months, I'm looking to help negotiate the difference between the budgets passed by the Democratic-led Senate and the Republican-led House," Greene said after the ceremony. "My priorities are centered on affordability and safety, alongside freedom and democracy."
Greene framed his approach around listening to voters across the political spectrum. His district spans parts of Saginaw, Midland, and Bay counties.
"God gave us two ears, so we listen more than we talk," Greene said.
According to Michigan Public, Greene added that his first priorities involve helping with state budget talks and making life more affordable for constituents.
"Whatever we can do that's going to be beneficial to our working middle class to help them do better slowly but surely to help offset some of those things that the federal government is doing, it's what we're going to focus on," Greene said.
The general election starts now
Greene's campaign work is not finished. He faces a general election later this year for a full term. He is unopposed in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side, Tunney is due for a rematch with Chadwick Twillman, a financial firm owner and former truck driver who sought the Republican nomination in the special election earlier this year.
Analysts pointed to Greene's decisive victory as a potential indicator of voter sentiment heading into November. Republicans attributed the result to heavy spending in a low-turnout special election. Democrats viewed the margin as a sign of strength in the district.
Greene said he would not treat the special election result as a mandate for one side or the other. Instead, he plans to continue engaging voters directly.
"As we get back into campaign season, which seems weird because I just finished campaign season, we're going to continue to focus on what we've done, and that's being out talking to our district, getting their input," Greene said.
Why it matters for Saginaw
The 35th District covers working-class communities in the Saginaw Valley that have felt the impact of federal policy shifts and rising costs. Greene's background as a fire captain and his Marine service gave him a profile that resonated with voters in the region.
His arrival in Lansing gives Saginaw a voice in the Senate at a moment when the chamber's balance of power is razor thin. Every vote on the budget, on tax policy, and on regulatory matters could come down to Greene's decision.