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The Michigan Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about races on your ballot, based on your values.
Other Statewide
Two seats on the Michigan Board of Education are up for election this year. We recommend Democratic candidates Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson as the progressive choices in this race.
Dr. Pamela Pugh is an experienced leader who has proven herself willing to show up for Michigan students and educators. Dr. Pugh has dedicated her career to promoting public health and ensuring kids across the state grow up in safe communities where they can thrive. As a member of the school board, she’s continued to pursue those goals, being a consistent voice for safe and honest education for all.
Over the past eight years, Dr. Pugh has worked to address systemic inequities that affect BIPOC children and other marginalized people in the public school system. Despite relentless attacks from MAGA extremists who want to stifle honest education, Dr. Pugh has consistently advocated for safe, inclusive classrooms where students can learn an accurate account of American history and current events.
Mitchell Robinson says he’s running for the Board of Education this year because he feels a need to push back against misinformation and right-wing attacks on honesty in education. He has been an educator for more than 40 years, teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral programs.
Robinson’s policy platform is focused on providing all kids with an honest, well-rounded education that will set them up for success. He also believes we must do more to support educators and improve retention, and address issues like child poverty that hold students back in the classroom.
Both Dr. Pugh and Robinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Tami Carlone and Linda Lee Tarver, both of whom have built their platforms on attacking honest education about history and making classrooms less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and educators.
Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.mitchellrobinsonforstateschoolboard.org/
https://pamelalpugh.com/
Two seats on the Michigan Board of Education are up for election this year. We recommend Democratic candidates Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson as the progressive choices in this race.
Dr. Pamela Pugh is an experienced leader who has proven herself willing to show up for Michigan students and educators. Dr. Pugh has dedicated her career to promoting public health and ensuring kids across the state grow up in safe communities where they can thrive. As a member of the school board, she’s continued to pursue those goals, being a consistent voice for safe and honest education for all.
Over the past eight years, Dr. Pugh has worked to address systemic inequities that affect BIPOC children and other marginalized people in the public school system. Despite relentless attacks from MAGA extremists who want to stifle honest education, Dr. Pugh has consistently advocated for safe, inclusive classrooms where students can learn an accurate account of American history and current events.
Mitchell Robinson says he’s running for the Board of Education this year because he feels a need to push back against misinformation and right-wing attacks on honesty in education. He has been an educator for more than 40 years, teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral programs.
Robinson’s policy platform is focused on providing all kids with an honest, well-rounded education that will set them up for success. He also believes we must do more to support educators and improve retention, and address issues like child poverty that hold students back in the classroom.
Both Dr. Pugh and Robinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Tami Carlone and Linda Lee Tarver, both of whom have built their platforms on attacking honest education about history and making classrooms less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and educators.
Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.mitchellrobinsonforstateschoolboard.org/
https://pamelalpugh.com/
Two seats on the Michigan Board of Education are up for election this year. We recommend Democratic candidates Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson as the progressive choices in this race.
Dr. Pamela Pugh is an experienced leader who has proven herself willing to show up for Michigan students and educators. Dr. Pugh has dedicated her career to promoting public health and ensuring kids across the state grow up in safe communities where they can thrive. As a member of the school board, she’s continued to pursue those goals, being a consistent voice for safe and honest education for all.
Over the past eight years, Dr. Pugh has worked to address systemic inequities that affect BIPOC children and other marginalized people in the public school system. Despite relentless attacks from MAGA extremists who want to stifle honest education, Dr. Pugh has consistently advocated for safe, inclusive classrooms where students can learn an accurate account of American history and current events.
Mitchell Robinson says he’s running for the Board of Education this year because he feels a need to push back against misinformation and right-wing attacks on honesty in education. He has been an educator for more than 40 years, teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral programs.
Robinson’s policy platform is focused on providing all kids with an honest, well-rounded education that will set them up for success. He also believes we must do more to support educators and improve retention, and address issues like child poverty that hold students back in the classroom.
Both Dr. Pugh and Robinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Tami Carlone and Linda Lee Tarver, both of whom have built their platforms on attacking honest education about history and making classrooms less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and educators.
Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.mitchellrobinsonforstateschoolboard.org/
https://pamelalpugh.com/
Two seats on the Michigan Board of Education are up for election this year. We recommend Democratic candidates Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson as the progressive choices in this race.
Dr. Pamela Pugh is an experienced leader who has proven herself willing to show up for Michigan students and educators. Dr. Pugh has dedicated her career to promoting public health and ensuring kids across the state grow up in safe communities where they can thrive. As a member of the school board, she’s continued to pursue those goals, being a consistent voice for safe and honest education for all.
Over the past eight years, Dr. Pugh has worked to address systemic inequities that affect BIPOC children and other marginalized people in the public school system. Despite relentless attacks from MAGA extremists who want to stifle honest education, Dr. Pugh has consistently advocated for safe, inclusive classrooms where students can learn an accurate account of American history and current events.
Mitchell Robinson says he’s running for the Board of Education this year because he feels a need to push back against misinformation and right-wing attacks on honesty in education. He has been an educator for more than 40 years, teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral programs.
Robinson’s policy platform is focused on providing all kids with an honest, well-rounded education that will set them up for success. He also believes we must do more to support educators and improve retention, and address issues like child poverty that hold students back in the classroom.
Both Dr. Pugh and Robinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Tami Carlone and Linda Lee Tarver, both of whom have built their platforms on attacking honest education about history and making classrooms less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and educators.
Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.mitchellrobinsonforstateschoolboard.org/
https://pamelalpugh.com/
Two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents are up for grabs in this election, and we recommend Democratic candidates Michael Behm and Katherine White.
Regent Michael Behm is a personal injury lawyer who has served on the board since 2014. His priorities for U of M include affordability, accountability, accessibility, and climate action. During his time on the board, he has been a vocal supporter of increasing the minimum wage for U of M employees to $15 and has consistently advocated for pro-climate changes on campus.
Regent Katherine White is an experienced lawyer and law professor at U of M and was elected to the board in 1998, then re-elected in 2006 and 2014. One of her main priorities as regent is to build more relationships between the university and the broader community, a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She is also concerned about ensuring U of M provides a quality education while remaining affordable and accessible.
The Republican candidates in this race are Lena Epstein and Sevag Vartanian. Epstein and Vartanian’s views on teaching accurate history and Epstein’s views on coronavirus are rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories.
Behm and White are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association and are the progressive choices in this race.
Two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents are up for grabs in this election, and we recommend Democratic candidates Michael Behm and Katherine White.
Regent Michael Behm is a personal injury lawyer who has served on the board since 2014. His priorities for U of M include affordability, accountability, accessibility, and climate action. During his time on the board, he has been a vocal supporter of increasing the minimum wage for U of M employees to $15 and has consistently advocated for pro-climate changes on campus.
Regent Katherine White is an experienced lawyer and law professor at U of M and was elected to the board in 1998, then re-elected in 2006 and 2014. One of her main priorities as regent is to build more relationships between the university and the broader community, a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She is also concerned about ensuring U of M provides a quality education while remaining affordable and accessible.
The Republican candidates in this race are Lena Epstein and Sevag Vartanian. Epstein and Vartanian’s views on teaching accurate history and Epstein’s views on coronavirus are rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories.
Behm and White are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association and are the progressive choices in this race.
Two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents are up for grabs in this election, and we recommend Democratic candidates Michael Behm and Katherine White.
Regent Michael Behm is a personal injury lawyer who has served on the board since 2014. His priorities for U of M include affordability, accountability, accessibility, and climate action. During his time on the board, he has been a vocal supporter of increasing the minimum wage for U of M employees to $15 and has consistently advocated for pro-climate changes on campus.
Regent Katherine White is an experienced lawyer and law professor at U of M and was elected to the board in 1998, then re-elected in 2006 and 2014. One of her main priorities as regent is to build more relationships between the university and the broader community, a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She is also concerned about ensuring U of M provides a quality education while remaining affordable and accessible.
The Republican candidates in this race are Lena Epstein and Sevag Vartanian. Epstein and Vartanian’s views on teaching accurate history and Epstein’s views on coronavirus are rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories.
Behm and White are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association and are the progressive choices in this race.
Two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents are up for grabs in this election, and we recommend Democratic candidates Michael Behm and Katherine White.
Regent Michael Behm is a personal injury lawyer who has served on the board since 2014. His priorities for U of M include affordability, accountability, accessibility, and climate action. During his time on the board, he has been a vocal supporter of increasing the minimum wage for U of M employees to $15 and has consistently advocated for pro-climate changes on campus.
Regent Katherine White is an experienced lawyer and law professor at U of M and was elected to the board in 1998, then re-elected in 2006 and 2014. One of her main priorities as regent is to build more relationships between the university and the broader community, a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She is also concerned about ensuring U of M provides a quality education while remaining affordable and accessible.
The Republican candidates in this race are Lena Epstein and Sevag Vartanian. Epstein and Vartanian’s views on teaching accurate history and Epstein’s views on coronavirus are rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories.
Behm and White are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association and are the progressive choices in this race.
Voters will elect two candidates to the MSU Board of Trustees this year, and we recommend Democratic candidates Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno.
Renee Knake Jefferson is currently serving on the Board of Trustees after being appointed for a partial term in 2019. Her main priority on the board is transparency and she believes honesty and accountability are the best way for MSU to continue to move forward. Jefferson also wants to ensure tuition is affordable and work to develop stronger partnerships between the university and community stakeholders.
Dennis Denno says he is running because he views the Board of Trustees as a necessary check on the university president. After the impact past scandals have had on the MSU community, he plans to prioritize transparency and accountability. Denno also plans to increase the minimum wage for MSU employees.
Knake Jefferson and Denno are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Mike Balow and Dr. Travis Menge.
Denno and Jefferson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://reneeknake.com/
https://dennisdenno.com/
Voters will elect two candidates to the MSU Board of Trustees this year, and we recommend Democratic candidates Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno.
Renee Knake Jefferson is currently serving on the Board of Trustees after being appointed for a partial term in 2019. Her main priority on the board is transparency and she believes honesty and accountability are the best way for MSU to continue to move forward. Jefferson also wants to ensure tuition is affordable and work to develop stronger partnerships between the university and community stakeholders.
Dennis Denno says he is running because he views the Board of Trustees as a necessary check on the university president. After the impact past scandals have had on the MSU community, he plans to prioritize transparency and accountability. Denno also plans to increase the minimum wage for MSU employees.
Knake Jefferson and Denno are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Mike Balow and Dr. Travis Menge.
Denno and Jefferson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://reneeknake.com/
https://dennisdenno.com/
Voters will elect two candidates to the MSU Board of Trustees this year, and we recommend Democratic candidates Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno.
Renee Knake Jefferson is currently serving on the Board of Trustees after being appointed for a partial term in 2019. Her main priority on the board is transparency and she believes honesty and accountability are the best way for MSU to continue to move forward. Jefferson also wants to ensure tuition is affordable and work to develop stronger partnerships between the university and community stakeholders.
Dennis Denno says he is running because he views the Board of Trustees as a necessary check on the university president. After the impact past scandals have had on the MSU community, he plans to prioritize transparency and accountability. Denno also plans to increase the minimum wage for MSU employees.
Knake Jefferson and Denno are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Mike Balow and Dr. Travis Menge.
Denno and Jefferson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://reneeknake.com/
https://dennisdenno.com/
Voters will elect two candidates to the MSU Board of Trustees this year, and we recommend Democratic candidates Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno.
Renee Knake Jefferson is currently serving on the Board of Trustees after being appointed for a partial term in 2019. Her main priority on the board is transparency and she believes honesty and accountability are the best way for MSU to continue to move forward. Jefferson also wants to ensure tuition is affordable and work to develop stronger partnerships between the university and community stakeholders.
Dennis Denno says he is running because he views the Board of Trustees as a necessary check on the university president. After the impact past scandals have had on the MSU community, he plans to prioritize transparency and accountability. Denno also plans to increase the minimum wage for MSU employees.
Knake Jefferson and Denno are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
The two Republican candidates in this race are Mike Balow and Dr. Travis Menge.
Denno and Jefferson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://reneeknake.com/
https://dennisdenno.com/
Voters will elect two members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson.
Current board member Marilyn Kelly is a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alum and professor who has extensive experience in public service. A former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kelly has also served on the Court of Appeals and was president of the Michigan Board of Education. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote justice and equality for all.
Danielle Atkinson is a lifelong advocate for working families and the founder of Mothering Justice, an organization dedicated to ensuring mothers of color are represented in the political process and their concerns are part of policy decisions. Atkinson plans to continue her work to create stronger, more equitable communities as part of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.
Kelly and Atkinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
Craig Wilsher and Christa Murphy are the Republican candidates in this race.
Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.votemarilynkelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonforWayneState
Voters will elect two members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson.
Current board member Marilyn Kelly is a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alum and professor who has extensive experience in public service. A former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kelly has also served on the Court of Appeals and was president of the Michigan Board of Education. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote justice and equality for all.
Danielle Atkinson is a lifelong advocate for working families and the founder of Mothering Justice, an organization dedicated to ensuring mothers of color are represented in the political process and their concerns are part of policy decisions. Atkinson plans to continue her work to create stronger, more equitable communities as part of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.
Kelly and Atkinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
Craig Wilsher and Christa Murphy are the Republican candidates in this race.
Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.votemarilynkelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonforWayneState
Voters will elect two members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson.
Current board member Marilyn Kelly is a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alum and professor who has extensive experience in public service. A former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kelly has also served on the Court of Appeals and was president of the Michigan Board of Education. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote justice and equality for all.
Danielle Atkinson is a lifelong advocate for working families and the founder of Mothering Justice, an organization dedicated to ensuring mothers of color are represented in the political process and their concerns are part of policy decisions. Atkinson plans to continue her work to create stronger, more equitable communities as part of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.
Kelly and Atkinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
Craig Wilsher and Christa Murphy are the Republican candidates in this race.
Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.votemarilynkelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonforWayneState
Voters will elect two members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson.
Current board member Marilyn Kelly is a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alum and professor who has extensive experience in public service. A former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kelly has also served on the Court of Appeals and was president of the Michigan Board of Education. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote justice and equality for all.
Danielle Atkinson is a lifelong advocate for working families and the founder of Mothering Justice, an organization dedicated to ensuring mothers of color are represented in the political process and their concerns are part of policy decisions. Atkinson plans to continue her work to create stronger, more equitable communities as part of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.
Kelly and Atkinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.
Craig Wilsher and Christa Murphy are the Republican candidates in this race.
Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://www.votemarilynkelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonforWayneState
Supreme Court
State Supreme Court candidates are located on the nonpartisan section of your ballot.
Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Richard Bernstein and newcomer Kyra Harris Bolden.
Richard Bernstein is the first blind justice to sit on the state’s highest court and has worked during his time on the court to protect Michiganders’ rights, including the right to vote on reproductive freedom and voting rights initiatives, and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought to preserve emergency protections designed to keep communities safe. He also helped deliver a decision that made kids and educators safer by keeping guns out of Michigan classrooms.
Justice Bernstein has ruled against shady interest groups in multiple cases, including a decision that upheld prevailing wage laws that ensure construction workers are paid fairly, a ruling that public money should not be funneled into private schools, and a decision to hold election saboteurs accountable.
Kyra Harris Bolden would be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden is a passionate, experienced leader and legal professional who has worked throughout her career to promote justice and equality for all. She’s vowed to protect the rights of all Michiganders.
In addition to her legal knowledge and expertise, Bolden brings years of experience serving in the state legislature, where she was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.
Current Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahara has a history of failing to stand up for LGBTQ rights and victims of abuse. He’s taken money from the DeVos family and sided with their efforts to give public taxpayer dollars to private schools. He also sided with an opinion that sought to keep voting rights and reproductive freedom initiatives off the November ballot, which would have silenced Michigan voters. When given the opportunity to vote to keep guns out of Michigan’s schools, Zahra failed to do so.
Justice Bernstein and Bolden are endorsed by five of our partners including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.
Justice Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://theblindjustice.com/
https://boldenforjustice.com/
Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Richard Bernstein and newcomer Kyra Harris Bolden.
Richard Bernstein is the first blind justice to sit on the state’s highest court and has worked during his time on the court to protect Michiganders’ rights, including the right to vote on reproductive freedom and voting rights initiatives, and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought to preserve emergency protections designed to keep communities safe. He also helped deliver a decision that made kids and educators safer by keeping guns out of Michigan classrooms.
Justice Bernstein has ruled against shady interest groups in multiple cases, including a decision that upheld prevailing wage laws that ensure construction workers are paid fairly, a ruling that public money should not be funneled into private schools, and a decision to hold election saboteurs accountable.
Kyra Harris Bolden would be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden is a passionate, experienced leader and legal professional who has worked throughout her career to promote justice and equality for all. She’s vowed to protect the rights of all Michiganders.
In addition to her legal knowledge and expertise, Bolden brings years of experience serving in the state legislature, where she was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.
Current Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahara has a history of failing to stand up for LGBTQ rights and victims of abuse. He’s taken money from the DeVos family and sided with their efforts to give public taxpayer dollars to private schools. He also sided with an opinion that sought to keep voting rights and reproductive freedom initiatives off the November ballot, which would have silenced Michigan voters. When given the opportunity to vote to keep guns out of Michigan’s schools, Zahra failed to do so.
Justice Bernstein and Bolden are endorsed by five of our partners including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.
Justice Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://theblindjustice.com/
https://boldenforjustice.com/
Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Richard Bernstein and newcomer Kyra Harris Bolden.
Richard Bernstein is the first blind justice to sit on the state’s highest court and has worked during his time on the court to protect Michiganders’ rights, including the right to vote on reproductive freedom and voting rights initiatives, and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought to preserve emergency protections designed to keep communities safe. He also helped deliver a decision that made kids and educators safer by keeping guns out of Michigan classrooms.
Justice Bernstein has ruled against shady interest groups in multiple cases, including a decision that upheld prevailing wage laws that ensure construction workers are paid fairly, a ruling that public money should not be funneled into private schools, and a decision to hold election saboteurs accountable.
Kyra Harris Bolden would be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden is a passionate, experienced leader and legal professional who has worked throughout her career to promote justice and equality for all. She’s vowed to protect the rights of all Michiganders.
In addition to her legal knowledge and expertise, Bolden brings years of experience serving in the state legislature, where she was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.
Current Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahara has a history of failing to stand up for LGBTQ rights and victims of abuse. He’s taken money from the DeVos family and sided with their efforts to give public taxpayer dollars to private schools. He also sided with an opinion that sought to keep voting rights and reproductive freedom initiatives off the November ballot, which would have silenced Michigan voters. When given the opportunity to vote to keep guns out of Michigan’s schools, Zahra failed to do so.
Justice Bernstein and Bolden are endorsed by five of our partners including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.
Justice Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://theblindjustice.com/
https://boldenforjustice.com/
Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Richard Bernstein and newcomer Kyra Harris Bolden.
Richard Bernstein is the first blind justice to sit on the state’s highest court and has worked during his time on the court to protect Michiganders’ rights, including the right to vote on reproductive freedom and voting rights initiatives, and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought to preserve emergency protections designed to keep communities safe. He also helped deliver a decision that made kids and educators safer by keeping guns out of Michigan classrooms.
Justice Bernstein has ruled against shady interest groups in multiple cases, including a decision that upheld prevailing wage laws that ensure construction workers are paid fairly, a ruling that public money should not be funneled into private schools, and a decision to hold election saboteurs accountable.
Kyra Harris Bolden would be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden is a passionate, experienced leader and legal professional who has worked throughout her career to promote justice and equality for all. She’s vowed to protect the rights of all Michiganders.
In addition to her legal knowledge and expertise, Bolden brings years of experience serving in the state legislature, where she was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.
Current Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahara has a history of failing to stand up for LGBTQ rights and victims of abuse. He’s taken money from the DeVos family and sided with their efforts to give public taxpayer dollars to private schools. He also sided with an opinion that sought to keep voting rights and reproductive freedom initiatives off the November ballot, which would have silenced Michigan voters. When given the opportunity to vote to keep guns out of Michigan’s schools, Zahra failed to do so.
Justice Bernstein and Bolden are endorsed by five of our partners including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.
Justice Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden are the progressive choices in this race.
Learn more:
https://theblindjustice.com/
https://boldenforjustice.com/
13th Congressional District
Shri Thanedar is a current state representative running as the Democratic candidate to represent the 13th Congressional District.
Thanedar is a pro-choice candidate who lists equality for the LGBTQ+ community and addressing racial injustice as some of his top priorities. Thanedar supports reforms to remove corporate money from politics and pro-worker policies to strengthen the economy and protect workers’ rights.
Thanedar is endorsed by two of our partners: American Federation of Teachers Michigan and Michigan Education Association.
Thanedar’s opponent is Republican Martell Bivings.
Thanedar is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn more: https://shriforcongress.com/
Shri Thanedar is a current state representative running as the Democratic candidate to represent the 13th Congressional District.
Thanedar is a pro-choice candidate who lists equality for the LGBTQ+ community and addressing racial injustice as some of his top priorities. Thanedar supports reforms to remove corporate money from politics and pro-worker policies to strengthen the economy and protect workers’ rights.
Thanedar is endorsed by two of our partners: American Federation of Teachers Michigan and Michigan Education Association.
Thanedar’s opponent is Republican Martell Bivings.
Thanedar is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn more: https://shriforcongress.com/
Senator, 4th District
Darrin Camilleri is a current representative in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 23rd District, and is running for Michigan State Senate. He is currently the minority whip for the House Democrats and the minority vice chair in the House Education Committee. Camilleri was named Progress Michigan’s Legislator of the Year in 2017.
Camilleri’s priorities include increasing wages, creating a fairer tax system, and securing pensions for seniors. He’s also fighting to fully fund our classrooms, working to find a solution to fix our roads and bridges, and pushing policies to keep our air and water clean.
Camilleri is endorsed by seven of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.
Camilleri is running against Republican Houston James. James is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.
Darrin Camilleri is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn more: https://darrincamilleri.com/
Darrin Camilleri is a current representative in the Michigan House of Representatives in the 23rd District, and is running for Michigan State Senate. He is currently the minority whip for the House Democrats and the minority vice chair in the House Education Committee. Camilleri was named Progress Michigan’s Legislator of the Year in 2017.
Camilleri’s priorities include increasing wages, creating a fairer tax system, and securing pensions for seniors. He’s also fighting to fully fund our classrooms, working to find a solution to fix our roads and bridges, and pushing policies to keep our air and water clean.
Camilleri is endorsed by seven of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.
Camilleri is running against Republican Houston James. James is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.
Darrin Camilleri is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn more: https://darrincamilleri.com/
State House
Representative, 2nd District
Tullio Liberati is an incumbent Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 2nd District. He is the current representative for 13th District and sits on the Transportation and Commerce and Tourism committees. Liberati has lived in Allen Park for nearly 50 years and owns and operates Liberati and Sons Construction. He is a life-long supporter of unions and organized labor.
Liberati believes in fully funding public education, protecting reproductive freedom, and increasing teacher salaries. He also supports common sense gun violence prevention legislation, expanding Medicaid, and ensuring all Michiganders are treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Liberati is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Education Association.
Liberati is running against Republican Michael Joseph D’Onofrio.
Liberati is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/tullio.liberati.7
Tullio Liberati is an incumbent Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 2nd District. He is the current representative for 13th District and sits on the Transportation and Commerce and Tourism committees. Liberati has lived in Allen Park for nearly 50 years and owns and operates Liberati and Sons Construction. He is a life-long supporter of unions and organized labor.
Liberati believes in fully funding public education, protecting reproductive freedom, and increasing teacher salaries. He also supports common sense gun violence prevention legislation, expanding Medicaid, and ensuring all Michiganders are treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Liberati is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Education Association.
Liberati is running against Republican Michael Joseph D’Onofrio.
Liberati is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/tullio.liberati.7
Representative, 27th District
Jaime Churches is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 27th District. Churches is a longtime resident of Downriver and has been a 5th grade teacher for 10 years. Her passion for serving her community and experience as an educator are why she decided to run for office.
Churches’ priorities, if elected to office, will be investing in our schools—including advocating for universal PreK, working to ensure living wages for working families, planning ahead for an infrastructure that will withstand future environmental changes, and protecting our Great Lakes. She will also work to lower the cost of prescription drugs, protect abortion access, preserve voting rights, advocate for common sense gun violence prevention reforms, and promote paid parental leave.
Churches is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Education Association.
Churches is running against Republican Bob Howey.
Jaime Churches is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn more: https://www.jaimechurches.com
Jaime Churches is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 27th District. Churches is a longtime resident of Downriver and has been a 5th grade teacher for 10 years. Her passion for serving her community and experience as an educator are why she decided to run for office.
Churches’ priorities, if elected to office, will be investing in our schools—including advocating for universal PreK, working to ensure living wages for working families, planning ahead for an infrastructure that will withstand future environmental changes, and protecting our Great Lakes. She will also work to lower the cost of prescription drugs, protect abortion access, preserve voting rights, advocate for common sense gun violence prevention reforms, and promote paid parental leave.
Churches is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Education Association.
Churches is running against Republican Bob Howey.
Jaime Churches is the most progressive choice in this race.
Learn more: https://www.jaimechurches.com
Wayne County, District 15 County Commission
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below county district races on your ballot.
Joseph Palamara is a Democrat running for his 13th term on the Wayne County Commission. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Commission. He has also been a state representative, attorney, and guest lecturer over the years. He is endorsed by the UAW.
Palamara is running against Republican Craig Bielecki.
Due to the problematic nature of Palamara’s work as a lobbyist while holding public office, we cannot recommend him. There is no progressive choice in this race.
Joseph Palamara is a Democrat running for his 13th term on the Wayne County Commission. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Commission. He has also been a state representative, attorney, and guest lecturer over the years. He is endorsed by the UAW.
Palamara is running against Republican Craig Bielecki.
Due to the problematic nature of Palamara’s work as a lobbyist while holding public office, we cannot recommend him. There is no progressive choice in this race.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposal 1 will change term limits for state legislators from three 2-year terms (6 years total) in the state House and two 4-year terms (8 years total) in the state Senate, to 12 combined years in the state Legislature. It will also require elected state legislative and state executive officials to file annual financial disclosure reports on their income, assets, liabilities, gifts from lobbyists, positions held in certain organizations, and agreements on future employment.
Vote YES on Proposal 1.
Proposal 1 will change term limits for state legislators from three 2-year terms (6 years total) in the state House and two 4-year terms (8 years total) in the state Senate, to 12 combined years in the state Legislature. It will also require elected state legislative and state executive officials to file annual financial disclosure reports on their income, assets, liabilities, gifts from lobbyists, positions held in certain organizations, and agreements on future employment.
Vote YES on Proposal 1.
Proposal 2 is a pro-voter initiative aimed at increasing access to the ballot and ensuring transparency in our elections. The proposal will ensure voters can vote free from harassment, intimidation, and interference by enshrining a fundamental right to vote in the Michigan Constitution. This proposal will also modernize Michigan’s elections by creating nine days of in-person early voting; allowing voters to request an absentee ballot for all future elections; providing state funding for secure ballot drop boxes, postage for absentee ballots and absentee ballot tracking; counting ballots from military and overseas voters that are postmarked by Election Day and received within six days; requiring audits to be conducted in public by local election officials; and ensuring that the outcome of Michigan elections are determined solely by the votes cast.
Vote YES on Proposal 2.
Proposal 2 is a pro-voter initiative aimed at increasing access to the ballot and ensuring transparency in our elections. The proposal will ensure voters can vote free from harassment, intimidation, and interference by enshrining a fundamental right to vote in the Michigan Constitution. This proposal will also modernize Michigan’s elections by creating nine days of in-person early voting; allowing voters to request an absentee ballot for all future elections; providing state funding for secure ballot drop boxes, postage for absentee ballots and absentee ballot tracking; counting ballots from military and overseas voters that are postmarked by Election Day and received within six days; requiring audits to be conducted in public by local election officials; and ensuring that the outcome of Michigan elections are determined solely by the votes cast.
Vote YES on Proposal 2.
Proposal 3 will ensure every individual’s right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make their own decisions about birth control, abortion, pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal care, and postpartum care is protected by enshrining these rights into the Michigan Constitution. It will also ensure no one can be punished for having a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion and protects healthcare providers who assist with reproductive health care procedures.
Vote YES on Proposal 3.
Proposal 3 will ensure every individual’s right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make their own decisions about birth control, abortion, pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal care, and postpartum care is protected by enshrining these rights into the Michigan Constitution. It will also ensure no one can be punished for having a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion and protects healthcare providers who assist with reproductive health care procedures.
Vote YES on Proposal 3.
State Supreme Court candidates are located on the nonpartisan section of your ballot.