Lansing police are investigating a possible sexual assault involving state Rep. Neil Friske, who was arrested early Thursday morning. The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office has requested further investigation before filing any charges. Friske, who was released from custody without charges, maintains his innocence. The incident has prompted calls for his resignation from some lawmakers.
Democrats in Michigan won special elections in two metro Detroit-based districts, restoring their majority in the state House of Representatives. Mai Xiong and Peter Herzberg, both Democrats, secured victories and will join the state House, giving Democrats a razor-thin, one-vote majority. The wins could end the legislative gridlock that has defined the tied chamber for the past several months, allowing Democrats to move forward with their priorities. The Democratic victories were celebrated by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and President Joe Biden's campaign, and the special elections come ahead of the November elections where every seat in the Michigan House of Representatives is up for election.
The Michigan House of Representatives removed Republican lawmaker Josh Schriver from his staff and a committee position after he shared a post promoting a racist conspiracy theory. House Speaker Joe Tate accused Schriver of promoting racist rhetoric and hate speech, while Schriver denied being racist. The "great replacement theory" has been associated with white nationalists and has inspired violence. Politicians from both parties condemned Schriver's posts, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer stating that the rhetoric goes against state and national values.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has scheduled special primary and general elections to fill two vacant seats in the Michigan House, resulting from the election of Democratic state representatives as mayors. The special primary will be held on January 30th for the 13th House District in Warren and Detroit, and the 25th House District in Westland and Wayne. The special general election for both seats will take place on April 16th. Candidates have until Monday to file their affidavits of identity, filing fee, or nominating petitions. The close proximity of the special primary to the presidential primary may lead to logistical challenges, as some residents may receive absentee ballots or applications for multiple elections.
