A Guide to Southeast Michigan’s Open State House Races 

Continuing the series on upcoming elections, this is the first part of the analysis of open Michigan House seats, focusing on seats in the Wayne and Downriver communities that are vacated by incumbents running for the Senate or stepping out of politics.

Currently, the Michigan House is led by Speaker Matt Hall, and the Republican caucus holds a 58-52 margin. For either side to win the majority, these open seats serve as opportunities for a fresh start. In 2024, the Republicans flipped the 27th, 44th, 58th, and 109th districts.

The Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) has not yet issued endorsements in these races. It will evaluate all candidates closer to election day to determine who best aligns with the region’s economic priorities. All partisan leans are determined by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Note: If a campaign website is available, a link is provided to learn more about each candidate. 

This Downriver district, covering Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Ecorse, and Southgate, features a 59.1% Democratic base. Rep. Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park) is choosing not to run again.

Filed Candidates:

• Frank Liberati (D): Former state representative and owner of a local Italian deli and bakery.

• Joanna Whaley (D): Healthcare chaplain for Detroit area hospitals and podcast host.

• Gary Schlack (D): Allen Park City Council member and U.S. Army National Guard veteran who holds degrees in business and political science.

• Ronald Kokinda (R): Self-employed worker and previous candidate.

• Zacharia Ortiz (R): Republican candidate who filed to run in the Downriver district.

Located entirely within the city of Detroit, this district holds a 97.1% Democratic base. Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) is not running again.  

Filed Candidates: 

• Krystal Larsosa (D): Nonprofit executive and owner of multiple media and management companies. 

• Anthony McDonald (D): Democratic candidate running for the Detroit-based seat. 

• Tyus Monroe (D): Detroit Police officer who also works in the funeral service industry. 

• Roslyn Ogburn (D): Partnership coordinator for the League of Conservation Voters with a background as a Detroit Land Bank Authority inspector. 

• Regina Ross (D): Educator and former community council member. 

• Everett Davis (R): Republican candidate who currently maintains a limited public political footprint. 

This district, encompassing Oak Park and parts of Detroit, features a 93.1% Democratic base. The incumbent, Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), is stepping back from politics.  

Filed Candidates: 

• Crystal Bailey (D): Business founder and member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Council. 

• Candace Calloway (D): City of Detroit construction worker and founder of a workforce organization focused on environmental conservation jobs. 

• Soummer Moore-Crawford (D): Member of the Wayne County Women’s Commission.  

• Chris Venable (R): Republican candidate whose stated platform focuses on improving educational outcomes and making responsible infrastructure investments. 

This district covers Detroit’s Riverfront, Indian Village, and Midtown, and is solidly Democratic, featuring a 95.7% Democratic base. This district is currently represented by former Speaker Joe Tate, who is not running for re-election.

Filed Candidates:

• Willie Burton (D): Former Detroit Police Commissioner and field director.

• Anthony Eid (D): Former Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission member and nonprofit policy director.

• Darryl Ervin (D): Nonprofit founder and former financial analyst.

• Arthur Harrington (D): Law student with local government experience in Detroit.

• Bryant Hepp (D): Urban planner and social worker.

• Karriem Holman (D): Political consultant and former legislative assistant.

• Toni Mua (D): Nonprofit founder with degrees in business administration.

• Rick Silva (D): Public service organizer, government employee, and educator.

• Patricia Washington-Hurt (D): A retired school teacher.

• Michele Lundgren (R): Perennial Republican candidate with a limited online presence.

Covering Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, this district holds a 61% Democratic base. The current representative, Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), is running for the state Senate.

Filed Candidates:

• Jalal Abdallah (D): Attorney managing a family-owned law practice.

• Leslie Herrick (D): Former Dearborn City Council member and campaign consultant.

• Gary Woronchak (D): Former state representative and Wayne County Commission chair.

• Hassan Nehme (R): Former congressional candidate and political party vice chair.

Covering Plymouth, Northville, and parts of Livonia, this competitive suburban district features a 52.3% Republican base, though it has leaned Democratic in recent elections.

This district is currently held by Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), who is running for the state Senate, which is harming Democrats’ chances of retaining the district.

Filed Candidates:

• Lisa McIntyre (D): President of the Northville Public Schools Board of Education and a licensed mental health counselor.

• Casey Noce (R): Teacher, licensed Realtor, and former Downtown Development Authority member.

Encompassing parts of Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Lenawee counties, this highly competitive district leans slightly Democratic at 53.9%.

The 31st district, currently represented by Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.), who is not seeking reelection, was one of the hottest races in 2024, with $3.6 million spent, and is expected to remain competitive in 2026.

Filed Candidates:

• Shannon Dare Wayne (D): A Milan City Council member and supervisor at Ford Motor Company.
• Laura Perry (R): Small business owner of a sports apparel store and chair of the Dundee Downtown Development Authority.

Looking Ahead

Ensuring the state remains a premier destination for business investment requires an active and engaged electorate. The Detroit Regional Chamber will continue to engage with all candidates and elected officials to clearly represent the interests of the state’s employers.