Outgoing Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is welcoming a political shakeup south of the border, hoping a Democratic takeover of Congress could offer some relief to a region caught in the crossfire of a trade war. “It’s a happy day here in this office,” Dilkens told CTV News Wednesday. Democrats won control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, delivering a significant setback to President Donald Trump halfway through his second term. For Windsor-Essex, where livelihoods are closely tied to cross-border trade, the results could have implications well beyond Washington. A possible reprieve for Windsor’s auto sector Dilkens, who is nearing the end of almost 12 years as mayor, says he’s optimistic the changing balance of power could help ease tensions between Canada and the U.S. “That’s the place we’ve always hope to get back to, and I’m hopeful that the election results announced today bring us back to that good place again,” he said. In August, Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles and auto parts to 50 per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Dilkens believes the election could help derail that threat, which he warned would devastate the region’s auto industry. “It would be a catastrophic impact on our local economy and our regional economy,” he said. The impact of trade uncertainty is already being felt at Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly Plant, where production has been cancelled for four consecutive weeks, including the week of Nov. 9. The automaker has cited changing market conditions, consumer demand, and tariffs as factors behind the shutdowns. “Our largest employer is being significantly impacted,” Dilkens said. The mayor also pointed to the rising cost of vehicles, arguing affordability is contributing to the pressure facing the industry. While the Democratic victory gives Congress greater power to challenge Trump’s agenda, it does not automatically reverse existing tariffs or cancel future threats. More checks and balances? Dilkens is hopeful the new Congress will provide greater oversight of the White House. “I expect that there will be a lot of checks and balances against the president’s behavior, his spending, his war in Iran and everything else that he’s done to create chaos and almost make enemies with every country in the world, including Canada,” he said. The new Congress takes office in January, just as Trump’s threatened tariff increase is scheduled to take effect. Optimism across the river The Democrats also swept into power in Michigan, with Jocelyn Benson winning the governor’s race and Abdul El-Sayed securing a U.S. Senate seat. Democrats also regained control of the Michigan House, giving the party control of both chambers of the state legislature. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield welcomed the results, pointing to potential benefits for her city. “Historically, our city has fared better under democratic leadership in Lansing, and now democrats will control the executive branch and both houses of the legislature,” Sheffield said in a statement. She also expressed optimism about greater federal support under Democratic leadership in Washington. For Windsor and Detroit, the political landscape is changing. Whether that translates into economic relief on either side of the river remains to be seen. Dilkens, who lost his bid for a fourth term in last month’s municipal election, will leave office on Nov. 14, ending a 12-year run as Windsor’s mayor. Mayor-elect Fred Francis officially takes over Nov.15.
