Capitol News

Michigan Democrats reported gains in several local elections held on November 4, 2025. According to Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, the party saw strong turnout and success across multiple regions of the state.

“If one thing from last night is clear, Democrats in Michigan are fired up to take our country back. At town halls and on the doors across the state, Michigan Democrats have been hearing from voters who are ready to stop growing MAGA extremism in its tracks. Our party has been working in communities in every corner of Michigan and building the necessary infrastructure to win last night, next year, and for years to come.

“The decisive wins in Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia are a damning statement of just how unpopular the Republican agenda has become. The results in Michigan were another clear reminder of the enthusiasm we’re seeing from voters in Michigan and across the country, and we’re not taking our foot off the gas.”

The Democratic Party cited increased voter participation as a key factor behind their wins. In Detroit’s mayoral race, nearly 20,000 more people voted for Mary Sheffield compared to turnout for Mike Duggan’s campaign in 2021. Overall turnout also rose by over 3% among Democratic candidates.

In Eaton County’s closely watched commission race for District 1, there was a significant shift toward Democrats—a swing of 23 percentage points compared with 2024—bringing them within ten votes of unseating a Republican incumbent.

Boyne City saw all three city commission seats go to candidates backed by the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP), with voter participation rising by about 10% compared with last year.

Democrats flipped two Holland City Council seats in Ottawa County following an increase in turnout above five percent since 2021; Abby Klomaprens and Tim Marroquin defeated incumbent opponents.

Kentwood elected Ana Jose as city clerk—the first woman and Latina to hold that office—with overall turnout up four percent since 2021.

In Grand Haven, Democrats won two at-large city council seats amid a more than three percent increase in total voter participation over previous cycles.