The results are in from the 2022 midterm elections. Called by some the most important midterm election in a generation, Michigan voters showed up to the polls in large numbers to cast their votes. 

In a hotly contested race, Governor Gretchen Whitmer defeated republican challenger Tudor Dixon to remain governor of Michigan for four more years. In a statement, Dixon shared that she called Whitmer to concede and wish her well. 

“Michigan’s future success rests not in elected officials or government, but all of us,” Dixon said. “It is incumbent upon all of us to help our children read, support law enforcement and grow our economy. Thank you to our volunteers and supporters for working so hard to forge a better Michigan. We came up short, but we will never stop fighting for our families.”

In a press conference early Wednesday morning, Whitmer thanked supporters and reaffirmed her plans for her second term. 

“Over the next four years, let’s build a Michigan where every person is treated with dignity, can enjoy their personal freedoms and chart their own path towards prosperity,” Whitmer said. “I promise to be a governor for all of Michigan. I promised to work with anyone who wants to get things done and compete and win against anyone. We’re going to move this state forward and I am excited about the work we will continue to do together.”

The midterms were also consequential for the Michigan legislature. Following the results of this election, Democrats flipped both chambers. For the first time in 40 years, the Michigan legislature will have a trifecta in Lansing with the re-election of Whitmer. 

Michigan citizens also voted on three important proposals: voter transparency and term limits, increased voter access and reproductive freedoms.  

With 85% of votes reported, proposal one passed with 66% of the vote. This proposal amends the Michigan constitution to reduce the maximum length a lawmaker can serve in the legislature.

Currently, lawmakers can serve eight years in the senate and six years in the house. Proposal one changes the term limit from 14 years to 12 years in the legislature and full tenure in one chamber.

Similarly, with 85% of total votes reported for proposal two, 59% have voted to pass the measure. Proposal two changes Michigan’s election procedures, amending the constitution to add an absentee ballot-box in every city and township and allowing nine days of early in-person voting. It also allows clerks to accept outside donations to fund their elections. 

Proposal three has passed with 56% voting yes among 88% total votes reported. This proposal received the most attention in this election after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.

Proposal three guarantees reproductive freedom for all Michiganders and the rescission of the 1931 Michigan law which classifies abortion as a felony. Proposal three also protects a right to contraception and infertility care. 

Darci McConell, communication director of Reproductive Freedom for All, said the passage of proposal three is a historic victory for abortion access. 

“Michigan has paved the way for future efforts to restore the rights and protections of Roe v. Wade nationwide,” McConell said. 

These midterms were contentious, but the voters have spoken, and the results have been summed up with a hopeful outlook fromWhitmer. 

“Michigan’s future is bright, and we’re about to step on the accelerator,” she said.