Michigan Democrats nominate candidates amid party tensions

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(The Center Square) – The Michigan Democratic Party gathered over the weekend to formally nominate its candidates for the 2026 election ballot.

This comes just days after Michigan Republicans did the same and a couple weeks before absentee ballots will go out to voters across the state.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said the state’s Democratic Party is ready to work together in the coming months.

“Michigan Democrats formally nominated a strong slate of nominees who will lower costs and stand up to Republicans’ corruption,” he said. “From now until Election Day, Michigan Democrats are covering every part of the state to earn every vote. Together, we will win big in November and elect leaders who will fight for working families.”

While Democrats applauded the convention as unifying, Republicans disagreed— pointing to prominent Democrats that opted not to attend the convention due to concerns over antisemitism.

“I don’t feel safe going. I feel like my presence isn’t going to be welcome. I don’t want to get chased around. I don’t want to get harassed. I don’t want to get yelled and screamed at. I don’t want to get booed off the stage, irrespective of what I’m saying,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Democrat and Jewish, in a recent public appearance. “I believe that if I go, that is what will happen because it’s been happening to me.”

The state Democratic Party responded to Nessel’s comments.

“We reject antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hateful conduct,” said spokesperson Derrick Honeyman.

Republicans still cited those concerns though, especially pointing out claims of low attendance and low energy at the convention.

“The uneasiness and discomfort of current Michigan Democrat Party delegates is on full display as multiple high profile Democrats—and countless rank-and-file Democrats – DECLINED to attend their convention today out of fear for their safety and wellbeing as the radical, extremist Left continues their FULL TAKEOVER of the Democrat Party,” said a statement from the Michigan GOP following the convention.

They especially pointed to Democratic candidates like U.S. Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson for “alienating” voters, especially among minorities.

“Majority of Democrats feel betrayed and afraid of what their party has become,” said Republican gubernatorial candidate John James. “Republicans are united. We reject antisemitism, racism, socialism, and hateful division. We welcome EVERYONE who believes in a stronger, safer, more prosperous future.”

Both El-Sayed and Benson, who is currently Michigan’s secretary of state, spoke at the convention—calling out President Donald Trump and for Democrats to rally going into the election.

Both El-Sayed and Benson were officially made the party's nominees following the Aug. 4 primary, while the party officially nominated:

• Winnie Brinks for lieutenant governor

• Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state

• Eli Savit for attorney general

• Judith Pritchett and Tiffany Tilley for state board of education

• Kelly Tebay Zemke and Brianna Scott for Michigan State University Board of Trustees

• Paul Brown and Amir Makled for University of Michigan Board of Regents

• Shereef Akeel and Richard Mack for Wayne State University Board of Governors

• Megan Cavanagh and Noah Hood for Supreme Court