The 27th district was created by the 1850 Michigan Constitution, as the 1835 constitution only permitted a maximum of eight senate districts.

[2][3] It has been represented by Democrat John Cherry III since 2023, succeeding fellow Democrat Jim Ananich.

District 27 encompasses part of Genesee County.

[4] District 27, as dictated by the 2011 Apportionment Plan, was based in Flint, also covering the surrounding Genesee County communities of Burton, Clio, Mount Morris, Swartz Creek, Flint Township, Mount Morris Township, Genesee Township, and Vienna Township.

[6] In January 2013, incumbent senator John J. Gleason assumed office as Clerk/Register of Deeds for Genesee County, triggering a special election that May.