Michigan's Democratic Party is facing a major crisis. In the state's 35th congressional district, which is up for election in a special primary, powerful party leaders have spent nearly $70,000 on behalf of moderate candidates who are trying to undermine more progressive Black Democrats.
The most notable example is Dr. Pamela Pugh, a skilled and highly endorsed candidate who has raised significant funds. Despite her strong campaign, she has been backed by party leadership, which instead chose to support another moderate Democrat in the primary. This move seems to be part of a larger pattern within the Democratic Party, where they often prioritize short-term gains over long-term progress.
In recent months, two promising progressive candidates for statewide office have dropped out of the race. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie both had credible paths to victory but decided not to run. What's striking is that they were both high-quality candidates who could have potentially won the elections.
The decision to sabotage these candidates raises serious questions about the Democratic Party's commitment to Black representation in Michigan. The state has a long history of underrepresenting its Black population in higher office, and it seems like the party leadership may be trying to continue this pattern.
This strategy is not only frustrating for Black voters but also undermines the very principles of democracy. By limiting the number of qualified candidates on the ballot, the Democratic Party is essentially disenfranchising voters who want a choice between progressive options.
It's time for the party to reevaluate its priorities and recognize that sabotaging Black leaders will not help them win in the long run. As one observer noted, "Black voters notice" when they feel ignored or disrespected by their party leadership. The consequences of this behavior are far-reaching, with potentially damaging effects on the Democratic Party's chances in future elections.
The author of this piece argues that the Democratic Party needs to do better by Black candidates and voters. They need to recognize the value of progressive voices and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of their party. If they want to win in Michigan in 2026, 2028, and beyond, they must prioritize building power with Black voters.
Ultimately, this is a test of whether the Democratic Party is truly committed to representing the interests of its most marginalized communities or if it's just willing to sacrifice them for short-term gains. The answer will shape not only the future of the party but also the course of American democracy itself.
The most notable example is Dr. Pamela Pugh, a skilled and highly endorsed candidate who has raised significant funds. Despite her strong campaign, she has been backed by party leadership, which instead chose to support another moderate Democrat in the primary. This move seems to be part of a larger pattern within the Democratic Party, where they often prioritize short-term gains over long-term progress.
In recent months, two promising progressive candidates for statewide office have dropped out of the race. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie both had credible paths to victory but decided not to run. What's striking is that they were both high-quality candidates who could have potentially won the elections.
The decision to sabotage these candidates raises serious questions about the Democratic Party's commitment to Black representation in Michigan. The state has a long history of underrepresenting its Black population in higher office, and it seems like the party leadership may be trying to continue this pattern.
This strategy is not only frustrating for Black voters but also undermines the very principles of democracy. By limiting the number of qualified candidates on the ballot, the Democratic Party is essentially disenfranchising voters who want a choice between progressive options.
It's time for the party to reevaluate its priorities and recognize that sabotaging Black leaders will not help them win in the long run. As one observer noted, "Black voters notice" when they feel ignored or disrespected by their party leadership. The consequences of this behavior are far-reaching, with potentially damaging effects on the Democratic Party's chances in future elections.
The author of this piece argues that the Democratic Party needs to do better by Black candidates and voters. They need to recognize the value of progressive voices and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of their party. If they want to win in Michigan in 2026, 2028, and beyond, they must prioritize building power with Black voters.
Ultimately, this is a test of whether the Democratic Party is truly committed to representing the interests of its most marginalized communities or if it's just willing to sacrifice them for short-term gains. The answer will shape not only the future of the party but also the course of American democracy itself.
The Dem Party needs to get its act together and support their own people, you know? Backing moderate candidates over progressive Black Dems just doesn't add up. It's like they're trying to win votes in the short term but forget about building a stronger party in the long run.
. It's like the Democratic Party is playing small ball and trying to maintain the status quo instead of pushing for real change. I mean, come on, $70k to undermine Black candidates? That's just not right 
. And it's not just about this one district or election - it's a pattern of behavior that's been going on for years.
. It's like they're more interested in playing it safe than taking a risk on real progress.
. They need to create a space for progressive candidates to thrive, not just moderate ones who are willing to sell out their values. If they don't get serious about this, they'll continue to lose elections and erode their credibility.
. It sounds like the Dem Party is trying to undermine their own progress by backing moderate candidates instead of supporting talented Black Dems. I mean, can't they see that's just gonna hurt them in the long run? 
If they want to win in Michigan (and beyond), they need to start listening to and amplifying the voices of progressive Black candidates. It's time for them to get on board with building power with Black voters, not trying to keep them disenfranchised 
. I mean, come on! They're spending like $70k on moderate candidates just to undermine progressive Black Democrats? That's some sneaky stuff, fam 
.
. The Democratic Party needs to recognize the value of building power with marginalized communities, not just playing politics as usual 
.
. And what's up with all these other progressive candidates just bailing on their races? It's like they're giving up on the very thing they were trying to fight for 
. They need to start listening to the voices of Black voters and not just trying to control them. It's all about representation, baby! 
And if they can't be bothered to do that, then maybe they shouldn't be calling themselves a party for change 
.
The fact that Lt. Governor Gilchrist and Deputy Secretary Edevbie bailed is just proof that the party is already losing its grip on Black voters 
. This is a crisis of leadership, not just for the Dem party but for the entire country 
.
. Anything less, and they'll be left on the sidelines watching as others take over 
.
. It feels like they're more concerned about winning elections at all costs than actually listening to and empowering their own members, especially Black Americans. This whole thing just smells like a big mess and it's not okay. They need to take a hard look at themselves and figure out what's really driving their decisions – is it about building a better future for everyone or is it just about staying in power? 
. It sounds like the Dem Party is more concerned with maintaining their power than actually helping Black voters get representation. I mean, who needs progressive voices when you can just back moderate candidates that will sell out to the party leadership? 
. The Dem Party needs to step up their game and prioritize the people who need them most. Anything less is just unacceptable 
! They need to recognize that Black voters matter and prioritize building power with them 
. If they don't, it'll be a disaster 
! The future of democracy is at stake, and we need a party that truly represents ALL its members 
, not just the ones in power 
. It's not like these candidates aren't qualified or anything - Lt Gov Gilchrist and Deputy Sec of State Edevbie both had strong cases for wining 
. The Dem party needs to get its priorities straight and recognize the value of progressive voices, or else they'll be stuck on the sidelines forever 
.
.
