Michigan Democrats Appoint Curtis Hertel Jr. as New Party Chair
In a decisive move, the Michigan Democratic Party has appointed Curtis Hertel Jr., a seasoned political leader, to spearhead the party as it heads into a critical election year. Hertel’s selection came after he became the sole candidate following the withdrawal of his only competitor.
Hertel emphasized the importance of a proactive strategy, aiming to bolster the party’s presence across various electoral contests. “I want to win the governor’s race and we’re certainly going to invest a lot of time there,” he stated, highlighting the need for broader victories. “Winning the governor without winning the House and the Senate is really just (being) a goalie. I want to go on offense and actually get things done for people.”
As he steps into the role, Hertel succeeds Lavora Barnes, who made history as the first Black chair of the Michigan Democratic Party in 2019. Barnes opted not to pursue another term after the 2024 elections.
Hertel, with experience as a county official, state senator, and advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, assumes leadership at a time when the Democrats seek to regain ground lost to Republicans, including the state House, during the 2024 elections, which also saw President Donald Trump securing a win in Michigan.
The upcoming election cycle presents significant opportunities with open positions for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and a U.S. Senate seat, alongside the battle for control of the state House and Senate. Hertel is focused on reinstating the Democrats’ trifecta control over the governor’s office and both legislative chambers.
Hertel expressed the necessity for continuous voter engagement and proposed progressive measures to tackle pressing issues such as housing, employment, and economic challenges, while also defending reproductive rights and civil liberties. “If we are not that party, that party will not exist in this country,” he asserted.
However, underlying tensions within the party have surfaced, particularly regarding recent legislation signed by Whitmer, which scaled back increases in the state minimum wage and earned sick time. This move has riled progressives and union members, given that some Democrats supported the measures in the legislature. The alternative was to allow voter-initiated laws to be implemented following a Michigan Supreme Court decision.
Danielle Atkinson, a delegate and leader of the earned sick leave campaign, voiced concerns that Whitmer and supportive Democrats are disregarding the party’s core supporters. She noted the convention as a moment to engage with lawmakers directly. “And … just asking the question and hoping that they understand their base is not with them on the vote that they just took,” she remarked, urging future consideration of community perspectives on legislative matters.
In the coming year, both Democratic and Republican voters are set to select their candidates for governor through party primaries. Meanwhile, conventions will determine nominees for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
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