Michigan Democrats and Republicans held dueling campaign kickoff rallies this week, pitching their nominees and arguing that the state’s November vote could help shape national politics.
Democrats drew more than 1,300 people Friday night at Renaissance High School, pushing party unity after a primary that drew national attention.
“The entire trajectory of the United States of America rests on the choices of Michiganders,” Democratic secretary of state candidate Garlin Gilchrist told the crowd.
Democratic attorney general candidate Eli Savit said the moment calls for “standing up against even the most powerful interests,” adding that “includes standing up against the president of the United States.”
Republicans held their own kickoff rally Wednesday, with candidates emphasizing party solidarity and public trust.
“Now more than ever it’s important that we come together as a united front,” Republican attorney general candidate Doug Lloyd said. “One thing we have to remember is the Democrats are a lot more divided than we are.”
“Public trust isn’t built on speeches,” said Republican secretary of state candidate Anthony Forlini. “It’s built up by showing up, it’s by keeping your word, it’s built by delivering results. It’s exactly what this ticket is prepared to do.”
In a speech Friday (Aug. 7), Democrat Abdul El-Sayed took aim at Republican Mike Rogers.
“I got some opinions about his name,” El-Sayed joked. “It’s very fitting for him — Rogers — because that’s his answer every time a corporation or Donald Trump tells him to do something.”
Rogers took his own shots at El-Sayed, telling supporters, “You cannot have an anti-American, 9/11 America’s fault candidate win an election and I don’t care where it is, but we’re not going to let it happen here in Michigan.”
In the governor’s race, Republican John James told the crowd “hope is on the horizon”.
“With the right leadership and with us unified together to free this state from communism and save Michigan, the best is yet to come,” James said.
Democrat Jocelyn Benson said she would answer to voters, not donors or party leaders.
“You all know who I’ll work for, all of you and every Michigander in this state,” Benson said. “Not the highest bidder, not corporate interests, not Donald Trump, you.”