Record Turnout at Michigan Democrats’ Endorsement Convention
This past weekend saw a historic gathering of Michigan Democrats as approximately 7,250 delegates convened at Huntington Place in Detroit, marking a record attendance for the state’s endorsement convention. The event set the stage for the selection of party endorsements across various statewide races, including key positions such as Secretary of State, Attorney General, and university boards.
In an effort to stand out in fiercely contested primaries, candidates employed a variety of eye-catching strategies. From musicians and vibrant campaign displays to unique items like basketball cards featuring campaign messages, the atmosphere was charged with creativity and determination.
Progressive voices resonated strongly during the convention, with nearly every candidate supported by the party’s Progressive Caucus securing a win. Notably, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist emerged victorious in the Secretary of State race after extended voting and counting. “I think what we’re showing is that we have a lot of power. We have record turnout here in this particular convention, more than we’ve ever had,” Gilchrist remarked, emphasizing the party’s momentum. “That shows that the energy is on our side and that we’re going to be able to organize that energy into a victory in November.”
In the contest for Attorney General, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit secured the party’s endorsement. Savit perceives these wins as an indicator of the members’ desire for candidates who inspire and connect with voters. Maintaining his stance, he declared, “I will stand for the people no matter who it is that’s on the other side. And I’ve said this. That can mean if it’s your boss that’s stealing from you, if it’s a slumlord that’s taking advantage of you, if it’s a predatory corporation that’s price gouging you, if it’s an environmental polluter, or if it’s the president of the United States himself.”
The University of Michigan Board of Regents race also attracted significant attention. Incumbents Paul Brown and Jordan Acker faced competition from civil rights attorney Amir Makled. Makled’s candidacy was scrutinized following a critical opinion piece in the Detroit News, which accused him of antisemitism due to his past critiques of Israel. Simultaneously, allegations surfaced against Acker regarding explicit messages in a group chat, further intensifying the race.
Ultimately, Brown and Makled achieved victory. Makled dedicated his win to students advocating for a more inclusive campus environment, stating, “To the students, these students who spoke up, the students who organized, the students who refused to let anyone tell them that they’re education wasn’t worth fighting for, you all reminded us what a public university is supposed to be.”
Amidst nomination speeches, Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch, speaking for Acker, encountered a mixed reception, receiving boos while cautioning against the divisions reminiscent of the 2024 election loss. “The enemy is not in this room. We’re dealing with the consequences of actions like this from November 2024,” Kinloch stressed.
This endorsement convention serves as a launching point for Democratic candidates as they prepare to confront their Republican counterparts. However, the official nomination of these candidates by the party will only occur later this year, following the August primary election.
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