An election was held on November 6, 1990, to elect all 38 members of the Michigan Senate for the 86th Michigan Legislature. In the election, the Republicans maintained their 20–18 majority over the Democrats.
History In the 1986 general election, the Republicans maintained a slim 20–18 majority over the Democrats. The Democrats lost a seat before the next election when State Senator Joseph Mack resigned in April 1990.
The 1990 primary election was held on August 7.
Before the general election, Democrat Debbie Stabenow was a front-runner in the 24th district, where incumbent Republican William A. Sederburg was retiring. There were four districts that were seen as the most competitive, and had the most campaign funds poured into them. One was the 37th district, with a retiring Democratic incumbent Mitch Irwin and the Republican candidate George A. McManus Jr.. Another was the 14th district where the Democratic incumbent Jerome T. Hart faced a serious threat from Republican Jon Cisky. In the 15th district, Democratic incumbent Jack Faxon faced a challenge from Republican Denise Alexander. Finally, a formerly Republican open seat in the 8th district was being contested by Republican Mat J. Dunaskiss and Democrat Gary Peters.
Redistricting was due in 1991, meaning whichever party won the majority would have a hand in shaping the next legislative districts of the state.
The general election was held on November 6. The 20–18 Republican majority was again maintained. Both parties flipped two seats each. Democrat Stabenow won in the 24th district. Of the four districts heavily focused on, Republican McManus Jr. won in the 37th district and Republican Cisky won in the 14th district, flipping both districts. Dunaskiss won in the 8th district, maintaining the seat for the Republicans. Democrat incumbent Faxon retained his seat. Democrat Jim Berryman additionally unseated Republican incumbent Norm Shinkle.
Republican Majority Leader John Engler retired from the state senate, being elected governor in 1990. Following the 1990 election, Dick Posthumus was elected majority leader to succeed him. Democrat Art Miller Jr. was re-elected as minority leader.
The state senate was sworn in on January 9, 1991.
Results The following are the official results from the 1991–1992 Michigan Manual.
Statewide Party Candi-dates Votes Seats No. % No. +/– % Republican Party 32 1,150,056 47.54% 20 52.63% Democratic Party 38 1,257,094 51.97% 18 1 47.36% Libertarian Party 4 9,128 0.37% 0 0.00% Workers World Party 1 2,321 0.09% 0 0.00% Write-ins 217 0.00% 0 0.00%Total 75 2,418,816 100.00% 38 100.00%
By district
Special election A special election was held alongside the general state senate election in the 38th district. The seat was left vacant when incumbent Democrat Joseph Mack resigned, after being charged in April 1990 for a misdemeanor in relation to billing the state government for trips he did not make. Democratic nominee Don Koivisto won the special election, as well as the general election, and was sworn in on November 14, 1990.
The following is the official results from the 1991–1992 Michigan Manual.
See also 1990 Michigan House of Representatives election
References