McCann declares victory over Huizenga as Dems flip Michigan's Fourth Congressional District

WEST MICHIGAN — In a stunning upset with massive implications for the balance of power in Washington, Democrat Sean McCann, a Kalamazoo state senator, has declared victory over eight-term Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District.

The projected flip delivers a critical pickup for Democrats, who won sweeping victories in the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday and will take control of the House and Senate next year, with voters across the country repudiating President Trump and GOP control in Washington.

As of 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, Democrats were projected to win 54 seats in the U.S. Senate to Republicans' 44 seats, resulting in the GOP losing control of the upper chamber of Congress.

Democrat Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) also successfully defended her seat against Republican challenger Terri DeBoer, 57%-43%.

McCann had a narrow lead of 7,385 votes over Huizenga — a margin of 2.1% — with 95% of precincts reporting.

With some U.S. House races still too close to call, Michigan's Fourth Congressional District was a key pickup for Democrats, who are projected to win 222 seats to Republicans' 138.

Considered a traditional Republican stronghold, the district — which includes portions of Ottawa, Allegan, Van Buren, and Kalamazoo counties — saw a surge of moderate and independent voters supporting a change in representation.

The race went McCann, a current State Senator, to a narrow but decisive lead as the final precincts reported on Wednesday morning.McCann issued a triumphant statement celebrating the historic victory:

“I am honored and humbled that the people of Southwest Michigan have put their trust in me to represent and serve this amazing district. Thank you to the voters, and to every volunteer and supporter who knocked on doors and made phone calls, talked to their neighbors, and helped out in ways big and small. I will be forever grateful for your support, because you are the heart and soul of this campaign. And thank you to Congressman Bill Huizenga for his years of service to our community."

McCann framed his victory as a rejection of corporate politics and a win for middle-class families, directly addressing the national skepticism his campaign faced from its inception.

“When I stepped up to run nearly a year and a half ago, it was out of the belief that our families deserve more — that hard work should pay off, that people should be able to get ahead and reach the American Dream, and that Washington should work for us, not the rich and well-connected," he said in a statement Wednesday morning.

He went on to highlight how the campaign defied long odds by uniting voters across political lines.

"Even though we were told over and over that this race wasn’t winnable, we built a big and broad coalition of people from every corner of this district, every political party, who believe that our government should work for the people and not the powerful."

Turning to the road ahead, he dedicated the win to his community and outlined his priorities for Congress.

“This victory belongs to the people all across Southwest Michigan, and it’s the people that I will work every day to serve — to take on the corruption and policies shortchanging our families, and work with anyone to make life better and protect the American Dream for our children. Michigan families deserve nothing less, and I look forward to getting right to work for the people of this district.”

The Huizenga campaign has not yet issued a public statement or formal concession.

What lies ahead

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become the next Speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes, making him the first Black lawmaker to hold the gavel.

With Democrats set to hold both legislative majorities, the outcome establishes a divided government that will shape policy, budget negotiations, and executive oversight over the next two years.

— Sarah Leach is the executive editor of the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at sleach@ottawanewsnetwork.org. Follow her on Twitter @ONNLeach.