Democrat Sean McCann ousts Bill Huizenga to flip longtime GOP Michigan House seat

Democrats have flipped control of Michigan’s 4th Congressional District after Democrat Sean McCann defeated eight-term Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) for the toss-up race, adding to Republican woes after a brutal election night Tuesday.The Associated Press called the race for McCann at 1:13 p.m. on Wednesday. He had 50.1% to Huizenga’s 43.3% with 97% of the vote counted. Recommended Stories The southwestern district includes Holland, Kalamazoo, and communities along the Lake Michigan shoreline, part of a broader region that Republicans have long controlled in Congress and that has aided Huizenga in past reelections with little fanfare. Democratic state Sen. Sean McCann, left, and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), right. (seanmccannforcongress.com; Paul Sancya/AP) But with a toss-up statewide Senate race and economic headwinds against Republicans dominating the national headlines, this go-around landed the contest among the toss-up seats that will determine party control of the lower chamber.HOUSE DEMOCRATS MAKE PUSH FOR WESTERN MICHIGAN SEAT THAT’S LONG BEEN A GOP STRONGHOLDHuizenga spared Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers a messy primary by opting out of mounting a bid for the upper chamber and instead sought reelection. He is a close ally of President Donald Trump, who helped persuade Huizenga against a Senate campaign.McCann is a state senator who was a strong fundraiser with the ability to grab a national media spotlight. He sought to turn voter frustration into a referendum on Huizenga’s longtime tenure in Washington.