It’s been over four months since residents in Saginaw, Midland and Bay City have had a state senator fighting for their interests at the Michigan Capitol. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has yet to call a special election to fill the vacancy in what had been a Democratic seat.

Bill Ballenger, a former GOP lawmaker in the region, says he believes Whitmer has delayed calling a special because she fears the Republicans are going to win it.

Republicans believe they have a strong chance to flip the swing district, allowing them to block Democratic bills.

Bridge Michigan says Whitmer quickly scheduled special elections last year when Democrats lost their House majority, causing suspicions with the current delay.