The Michigan House of Representatives chose 42‑year‑old Democrat Ranjeev Puri as Speaker on Thursday, June 7, 2024, after Democrats won a 63‑47 majority in the 110‑member chamber. The move creates a Democratic trifecta, with the party also holding the state Senate and governorship.
Puri, who represents Canton, became the first Indian‑origin legislator to hold the speakership. He had previously broken ground as Michigan’s first Sikh American in the House in 2020 and led the Democratic caucus in 2025 while Republicans controlled the chamber.
After the election, Puri posted on Facebook: “Today, I’m humbled to be elected by my colleagues as Speaker of the Michigan House. Thank you to my colleagues for your trust. Excited to get to work.” He added that his parents, who immigrated from Punjab, could not have imagined their son would one day break barriers in Michigan politics.
Chintan Patel, executive director of Indian American Impact, praised Puri’s focus on lowering household costs. “With Ranjeev leading the caucus, we have no doubt they will lower costs and make life more affordable for Michigan families,” Patel said, noting the broader rise in Indian‑American political representation across the country.
Puri, who once worked on Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, will now convene the House’s first session on Monday, setting the legislative agenda for the 2027‑28 term.