LANSING, Mich.(WZMQ) – Michigan Democratic Party leaders are denouncing what they call underhanded Republican efforts to influence the Democratic primary in Michigan’s 35th Senate District, which includes parts of the Tri-Cities region.
During a video press call on Tuesday, party chair Curtis Hertel pointed to reporting from the Detroit News that a group calling itself “Progressive MI” is running digital ads and sending mailers to Democratic voters. An ad disclaimer shows that at least some of the spending was paid for by Majority Strategies. This Republican consulting firm has worked for former President Donald Trump, the Michigan GOP, and Republican state Senate leadership.
“This group appears to have already spent tens of thousands of dollars on mailers and digital ads meant to trick Democratic voters to support one candidate over another,” Hertel said.
Hertel stressed that the Michigan Democratic Party is remaining neutral in the primary and said there is no evidence that any Democratic candidate coordinated with the ads. However, he called the tactic deceptive and said it undermines voters’ ability to make informed decisions.
“Michigan voters, not Trump consultants, should get to decide who Democrats nominate in the 35th District,” Hertel said, urging voters to throw away the mailers and ignore the ads.
The35th Senate District is preparing for an incoming electionin February after Kristen McDonald Rivet was elected to Congress in 2024.
State Rep. Amos O’Neill, D-SAGINAW, said he was disturbed by what he described as Republican consultants disguising themselves as progressives to influence the outcome of a Democratic race.
“It’s dishonest, it’s deceptive, and it’s downright dirty,” O’Neill said. “Don’t let Donald Trump and his buddies decide for you.”
Midland County Democratic Party Chair Jennifer Austin echoed those concerns, saying the tactics run counter to the values of voters in the Tri-Cities.
“We value honesty. We value forthrightness,” Austin said. “These tactics are underhanded and dishonest, and we won’t stand for them.”
Because the group is funded through so-called dark money, Hertel said it is difficult to determine exactly where the funding originated. Still, he said the firm’s history and banking ties point clearly to Republican involvement.
“Anybody who is a reasonable human would determine that either the Michigan Republican Party or the Senate Republican Caucus and likely both are involved,” Hertel said.
Democratic leaders also expressed concern the same strategy could be used in other races this year and said they plan to continue calling out similar activity if it appears elsewhere. They encouraged voters to research candidates independently and turn out for the upcoming primary.
