Common Cause Michigan is highlighting how today, August 5, should be election day for the vacant 35th Senate District seat after seven months of delay.   
 
“For thousands of Michiganders, today is a reminder the Governor does not believe they deserve representation in the State Senate,” said Quentin Turner, Michigan Executive Director of Common Cause. “Set the election date, hold the election, and give all voters the representation that is their constitutional right. Her own lieutenant governor and the attorney general agree – call the election. ” 
 
The 35th Michigan Senate District has been vacant since January 3, 2025, when Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned from the seat after being sworn into Congress. As a result, the people of the 35th District have lacked representation for seven full months and still don’t know when they’ll have a new senator. 
 
It is the governor’s duty to set special election primary and general election dates. She has done so in previous years without delay, but we have heard no explanation as to the reason for the delay this time. Due to the governor’s delay, the district will not elect a new senator today, but we strongly encourage her to set a special election date as soon as possible.