Battle Creek, Michigan

The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously passed a resolution opposing a Nov. 3 ballot measure that would amend the city charter to create a seven-member Citizens' Advisory Healthcare Action Board. Officials argue the city has no authority over health policy and the board would produce reports without power to enact change, creating ongoing costs for residents. The measure, also on ballots in Portage, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Lansing and East Lansing, is backed by Community Action Michigan, which raised $1.4 million and has run ads targeting two Republican congressmen. A GOP consultant says the effort is really aimed at influencing a congressional race, which organizers dispute. Voters can still spoil submitted ballots this week.

Control of the Michigan House of Representatives, all 110 seats of which are on the Nov. 3 ballot, hinges on six competitive districts, three of them in Metro Detroit. Republicans currently hold a 58-52 majority after flipping the chamber in 2024, and Democrats need to sweep these toss-ups to regain the majority.

The key races include the 27th District (Jaime Churches vs. incumbent Rylee Linting), 31st District (Shannon Dare Wayne vs. Laura Perry, an open seat), 44th District (Jim Haadsma vs. incumbent Steve Frisbie, a rematch after Haadsma lost by 79 votes in 2024), 46th District (Jan Maino vs. incumbent Kathy Schmaltz), 54th District (Sarah Pounds vs. Roman Gaskey, another open seat), and 109th District (Anna Aho Rink vs. incumbent Karl Bohnak). Several races are drawing heavy ad spending and feature first-time candidates. Outcomes will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow majority or Democrats reclaim the chamber ahead of 2026 legislative priorities.