UPDATE: In a powerful call for bipartisanship, Michigan state Senators Stephanie Chang and John Damoose emphasized collaboration over division during a highly attended event at the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Auditorium on February 26, 2026. Approximately 75 people gathered to witness this urgent discussion hosted by the Ford School of Public Policy.
Senators Chang and Damoose, alongside political science expert Jenna Bednar, addressed the critical need for legislators to work across party lines. Damoose underscored the importance of personal relationships, stating, “There isn’t anybody on Earth who can make me stand up and say anything negative about Stephanie Chang as a person.” He further explained how building trust can alter the political landscape, saying, “If we come in there and resist that and build relationships, it changes the whole dynamic.”
The discussion was vital as it highlighted the pressing need for bipartisan cooperation in passing key legislation. Senator Chang pointed to her successful collaboration with Republican Senator Ruth Johnson on Michigan Senate Bills 611 and 612, which aim to enhance protections for domestic violence survivors by mandating that protection orders be served within 72 hours of a report at no cost to survivors. “That is ultimately what we did. We were able to pass that legislation through the Senate with unanimous support,” she said.
As the conversation progressed, the senators delved into the impact of term limits on legislative productivity. Chang noted that her longer tenure in the Michigan Senate has fostered more meaningful bipartisan relationships compared to her previous experience in the House of Representatives. “There is more of a chance for actual relationship building,” Chang explained, emphasizing the Senate’s capacity for collaboration.
Their efforts are not without challenges. Damoose recounted a moment of dissent from party lines during a budget dispute in December 2025, noting the backlash he faced for supporting a bipartisan budget. “If something’s right, I’m going to do it,” he asserted, encouraging others to prioritize good governance over party loyalty.
The emotional weight of their discussion resonated with attendees. Nina Attisha, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, expressed hope in seeing politicians collaborate despite the current political climate. “Even though the media shows that there’s so much polarization in politics, there are still ways that politicians work across that,” she said. “It really gives hope right now.”
As the event concluded, Damoose urged the audience to foster real connections across political divides, stating, “Relationships do matter.” His call to action left attendees inspired to bridge gaps and work towards impactful change.
This event comes at a time when the need for cooperation in government has never been more urgent, and the message from these senators is clear: meaningful relationships can lead to transformative legislation.
Stay tuned for more updates as Michigan leaders continue to navigate the path of bipartisanship in these challenging times.
