DETROIT – The Michigan Democratic Party has successfully hosted its 2022 State Endorsement Convention at the Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan today. Led by Michigan Democratic Party Chair, Lavora Barnes, the party convened the convention and endorsed a slate of candidates for this year’s November election. The party endorsed candidates for offices of Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Supreme Court, Board of Education, and University Boards of Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.
“Michigan residents deserve competent, ethical, and steadfast leadership during these tough times.” said MDP Chair Lavora Barnes. “Our party emerges from this year’s convention united, and our experienced candidates are ready to make tough calls and deliver for every Michigander.”
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel, who are both seeking a second, four-year term for the Office of Secretary of State and the Office of Attorney General respectively, received the party’s endorsement. Secretary Benson was elected Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State and currently serves as the state’s chief elections and motor vehicle officer. Attorney Nessel was elected Michigan’s 54th Attorney General and currently serves as the state’s top lawyer and law enforcement official.
Justice Richard Bernstein and State House Representative Kyra Harris Bolden received the party’s endorsement for the Michigan State Supreme Court. Justice Bernstein is seeking his second term in office and looks to continue his work on the bench. State Representative Kyra Harris Bolden is currently serving her second term representing Michigan’s 35th House District. Representative Bolden, who is an attorney and sits on the Judiciary and Insurance Committees, will be seeking a first term on the court.
For the Michigan Board of Education, the party endorsed Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson. Dr. Pugh brings over twenty-four years of experience in the field of public health with emphasis on achieving health equity through environmental justice, and she is seeking her second term. Mitchell Robinson is a career educator, with over 40 years of experience teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral study, and he is seeking his first term.
For the Michigan State Board of Trustees, the party endorsed Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno. Renee Jefferson was appointed to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees in 2019 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and is seeking a second term. Jefferson is an attorney and worked as a law professor at the Michigan State University College of Law. Dennis Denno is seeking his first term on the Board of Trustees and is a lifelong Democrat.
For the University of Michigan Board of Regents, the party endorsed Kathy White and Mike Behm. Kathy White is an attorney and was first elected to the University of Michigan Board of Regents in 1998. She is now seeking her fourth term on the Board of Regents. Mike Behm is a University of Michigan graduate and an attorney from Grand Blanc, and was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2014.
For the Wayne State Board of Governors, the party endorsed Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson. Marilyn Kelly is a former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, where she served for sixteen years. She is seeking her second term. Danielle Atkinson is seeking a first term on the Board of Governors, and she spent her entire career working for workers and Michigan families, most recently as the founder of Mothering Justice.
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