The Republican Wipeout in Michigan - WSJ editorial
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Wolverine State Republicans suffered an election wipeout Tuesday that leaves them without any legislative power for the first time in decades. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won re-election despite punishing schools closures, and state Democrats gained their first trifecta in about 40 years. Democrats picked up seats in the state Senate, flipping it to 20-18 Democrats from 22-16 Republicans. They also flipped the state House to 56-54 Democrats from 56-53 Republicans (with a vacancy). Republicans had a supermajority in the state Senate and a trifecta only four years ago.
Republicans nominated a weak candidate for Governor in Tudor Dixon, who played up to Donald Trump’s stolen 2020 election claims in the primary, which Democrats used against her and she lost by more than 10 points. Republicans lost a House seat in Grand Rapids after they ousted Rep. Peter Meijer in the primary for impeaching Mr. Trump. John Gibbs lost by 13.
Republicans in the Legislature also mishandled the abortion issue. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, they failed to pass a new law to replace a 1931 statute banning nearly all abortions. That left the way open for Proposal 3, which put abortion rights in the state constitution and passed Tuesday with 56.7% support with 95% of the vote reporting. Local news outlets reported that voter turnout was higher than expected across the state with hours-long lines in Democratic areas like Ann Arbor (home of the University of Michigan).
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https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-republican-wipeout-in-michigan-gretchen-whitmer-tudor-dixon-midterm-election-state-legislature-11668190883 (subscription)