Camilleri Most Visibly Running To Be Next Senate Dem Leader, Singh Contemplating Reelection

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/26/2025) The race to become Senate Democrats' next leader consists of some unknowns. While Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) is the senator most publicly and actively running for the job, another talked-about contender, Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), might not be running for reelection this year.

Another potential candidate, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), has the chance to continue leading appropriations next year, uniquely making her a veteran budget-maker around the Capitol as the new governor and other new faces move in. She's been mentioned as a lieutenant governor option as well for Democratic gubernatorial front-runner Jocelyn Benson.

Also, Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) is an option.

Overall, it appears that Senate Democrats are demanding an effective communicator and a prolific fundraiser out of their next leader.

Based on MIRS' conversations with multiple folks close to the caucus, Democrats want someone who isn't cliquey, takes time to understand the complexities of members' individual districts and who isn't afraid to put forward bold ideas.

Some Senate Democrats are frustrated about not feeling in-the-know about big deals and how they're progressing, like last year's budget and the new road funding system, until after top leaders made up their minds.

They're concerned about appearing empty-handed when local officials and reporters come to them with questions. Others want the caucus to significantly ramp up its media strategy, especially in the era of House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) hosting weekly gatherings with the press, where he's criticized Senate Democrats' moves and has walked away with numerous headlines centering House Republicans.

Camilleri has held one-on-one meetings with each of his caucus members who could return next year. He's also provided candidate coaching to individuals running to become Senate freshmen, connecting with possible newcomers as the Michigan Senate Democratic Fund's campaign committee chair. For instance, Senate Democrats following the 2026 elections may very well be a majority-freshmen caucus, with 10 of its 19-person caucus not returning.

He's a Downriver native whose family members cook for his fundraisers. He initially entered the Legislature at age 24, flipping a House district from red to blue by a 0.68 percentage-point win over then-Trenton City Councilmember Bob Howey in the year when President Donald Trump first won Michigan.

Singh has been considered a likely contender to replace term-limited Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) because of his dealmaker reputation. He's taken the lead negotiator role on things like the 100% "clean energy" by 2040 policy for electricity providers, the state's new earned sick time and tipped wage standards and, currently in the works, a proposed payroll tax-withholding program to incentivize new business developments coming to Michigan.

But at the same time, MIRS learned that being a deal-maker with utilities, Republicans and other entities comes with the negative perceptions of being an "undercutter" or an aloof shark among caucus members.

In November, Hall said on the MIRS Monday Podcast that Camilleri would be "much easier to defeat" in negotiations than Singh as the next Senate majority leader. He said Singh "would be very effective. He knows how to make a deal. He's supported around Lansing, so I would not want him if the Democrats kept control."

However, in its Jan. 24 insider report, Singh informed The Detroit News that he'll make a decision in February on whether he'll seek reelection, saying “I'm weighing a number of options.”

Anthony is seen as a leader with several paths in front of her. Since the 2024 election cycle, numerous Democrats have tried recruiting her to run in the competitive 7th Congressional district, a seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) and formerly represented by now-U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly).

Outside of being mentioned as Benson's running mate, Anthony does appear to really enjoy chairing the appropriations committee, and could serve a historic two terms as appropriations chair if Senate Democrats maintain their majority.

Also, Cherry is additionally said to be meeting with people about possibly running for leadership. He would bring with him strong union ties and a wealth of knowledge, as his father, John Cherry Jr., presided over the Senate as the lieutenant governor from 2003 through 2010.

Furthermore, there are rumblings that former Rep. Felicia Brabec – the Ann Arbor clinical psychologist running to replace term-limited Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) in the 14th Senate district – could try running for leadership. Brabec tried running for House speaker following the 2022 elections, and was favored over the 2023-24 House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) by more progressive and freshman caucus members, who saw Tate as having a more "transactional" relationship with lobbyists in Lansing.

As for the fundraising side of things, Camilleri had $239,651 in cash on-hand in his candidate account as of late October, and $101,557 total sitting in his two political action committees (PAC), the Team Camilleri PAC and Camilleri for Michigan.

Singh had $126,553 in cash on-hand in his candidate account without a PAC. Anthony and Cherry have $158,669 and $136,518, respectively, still available in their candidate accounts, and Brabec has $130,695.