LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 24, 2025) — Today, Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) presided over the Michigan Senate for the first time since being elected as Assistant President Pro Tempore last Thursday, Sept. 18. Sen. Cherry was nominated for the position by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and elected by a vote of the full Senate. In this role, he now has the authority to oversee and administer Senate sessions.
In response to his new role, Sen. Cherry released the following statement:
“I’m truly grateful to be elected as Assistant President Pro Tempore of our Michigan Senate, as both in policy and procedure, the business of the Michigan Senate is valuable to my constituents and to people around the state,” said Sen. Cherry. “It’s an honor I don’t take lightly, and one that holds particular resonance for me knowing that my father held a similar responsibility several years prior while serving as the Lieutenant Governor. Now and in the days ahead, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to deliver solutions to challenges facing Michiganders, their families, and communities.”
In being appointed as Assistant President Pro Tempore within the Senate Majority, Sen. Cherry joins his colleague, Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), who holds the same role. Sen. Cherry’s father, John D. Cherry, also presided over the Michigan Senate while serving as the state’s 62nd Lieutenant Governor from 2003-2011.
Sen. John Cherry presiding over the Michigan Senate for the first time in his new role as Assistant President Pro Tempore on Wed., Sept. 24, 2025.
John D. Cherry presiding over the Michigan Senate in 2010 as Lieutenant Governor.
Sen. John Cherry being sworn in as Assistant President Pro Tempore of the Michigan Senate by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield).