The Power of Local Voices: Why the May 5th Special Election Demands Your Attention

In a media landscape obsessed with national spectacles, the everyday decisions that truly shape our communities are too often left in the dark. Mainstream newspapers frequently gloss over legislative races, reducing candidates to broad party talking points rather than examining how their policies will actually impact our local businesses, school proposals, and civic infrastructure.

When newspaper conglomerates look the other way, Review Magazine steps in. We believe that an educated electorate is the foundation of a strong community. That is why we are providing an unfiltered platform for the candidates vying to represent Michigan's 35th State Senate District: Democrat Chedrick Greene and Republican Jason Tunney. 

The following are  their open letters to you, presented without spin or interruption, allowing you to weigh their distinct visions for our region's future.

The Danger of the Off-Cycle Election

The upcoming May 5th special election carries massive implications. With the Michigan State Senate currently sitting at a razor-thin 19-18 Democratic majority, the outcome of this single race will determine the balance of power in Lansing. 

Despite the high stakes, special elections are historically plagued by alarmingly low voter turnout. In February's primary election the 35th Senate District  (population 265,000), only 26,624 voted in the Democratic primary and 18,229 in the Republican primary. Because this May 5 special election falls outside the standard August and November election cycles, there is a very real danger that a small fraction of the electorate will make a monumental decision for all of us.

We cannot afford to sit this one out.

Critical Voting Deadlines

To ensure your voice is heard, please mark your calendars with the following dates for the District 35 special election:

•    Thursday, March 26: Absentee ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes.


•    April 25 – May 3: Early in-person voting is open.


•    Tuesday, May 5: Election Day.


We urge you to read the following letters carefully, scrutinize the candidates' platforms, and most importantly, cast your ballot. The direction of our state legislature—and its direct impact on mid-Michigan—is entirely in your hands.

Chedrick Greene • Democratic Candidate

I am Chedrick Greene: son, brother, father, 30-year Marine Veteran, 27-year Fire Captain, and lifelong Saginaw resident who loves our Great Lakes Bay community and country. 

My resume isn’t typical for elected office, but we don’t need more ‘typical’ in Lansing. We need strong, credible leadership that’s not afraid to call out what we need to fix, no matter who’s in charge.

My parents left the Jim Crow South for better opportunities in Michigan. Back then, unions and middle-class families were thriving here. I’m running for State Senate to restore those opportunities.

As a firefighter, I’ve helped people in vulnerable moments. I’ve also seen too many hard-working men and women do everything right but still struggle. People are scared. 

The status quo is failing families in our cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Many voters who thought Trump and Republicans would make things better are realizing things have only gotten worse for all of us who aren’t wealthy or well-connected.

From command tables with generals to kitchen tables with neighbors, I’ve always stepped up to protect what’s important. And what’s most important right now for working families in mid-Michigan is to have a leader they can trust fighting for them in Lansing. 

Our 35th Senate District special election will decide the balance of power in the Senate. If Republicans win, their record tells us what’s coming: higher costs, more breaks for big corporations and the ultra-wealthy, deeper cuts to healthcare and education, and increased attacks on our fundamental rights. 

MAGA elites are making us work harder and sticking us with higher bills, while they build bigger ballrooms. We want good-paying jobs, stronger schools, and safer communities — not chaotic tariffs, defunded classrooms, or escalating violence from masked government agents on our streets.

Their agenda couldn’t be further from the real results Michigan Democrats delivered when in control in Lansing. We created better-paying jobs, expanded free pre-K, protected reproductive rights, restored workers’ rights, repealed the unfair retirement tax, and delivered the largest tax cut for working families in state history. 

I want to build on those wins with lower costs, better jobs, a tax code that works for working people, and real accountability for corporate greed.  

To push back against the worst of Trump’s agenda, we must win a Democratic majority in our State Senate. That’s what’s on the line May 5th.

Jason Tunney • Republican Candidate

Unfortunately, we did not receive a response from Mr. Tunney in time for our press deadline.