BLACK AND BROWN WORKING-CLASS METRO DETROITERS WIN BIG IN MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Historic Passage of Proposition 2 and 3 will ensure that our government remains beholden to the people and not held hostage by anti-democracy, racist politicians

(DETROIT) — Statement by Detroit Action Executive Director Branden Snyder

“Black and brown working class communities won big in key races throughout the state after weeks of mobilizing to support ballot measures and candidates who share our values. Hundreds of volunteers knocked on doors, made phone calls, defended the polls, contacted voters online, and spoke to their neighbors about the stake in the midterms, electing leaders who stand with Metro Detroiters on critical issues like affordable housing, accessible healthcare, good jobs, infrastructure investment and strong voter protections.

“From reproductive care to voting rights, we’ve seen firsthand how far this country is willing to go to keep Black, brown, and low-income communities down. By passing Prop 2, Michigan voters clapbacked against the renewed assault on voting rights, setting the standard for the rest of the country to follow. And by supporting Prop 3, Michigan has become a leader on reproductive rights, enshrining in our constitution the right to make decisions about abortion, birth control, and childbirth without politicians interfering. These changes are a big step in the right direction to not only protect, but strengthen Michiganders’ basic human rights.

“In addition to most Detroit Action endorsed candidates winning their election, there were several notable victories in state legislative and local races. We congratulate Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Congresswoman Rashida Tlalib, Senator Darrin Camilleri, Senator Stephanie Chang, Senator Erika Geiss, Senator Mary Cavanagh, and Representatives Abraham Aiyash and Donavan McKinney on their victories. For the first time in a generation, Michigan has a Democratic-led House and Senate. We look forward to working closely with each of these leaders on creating and upholding inclusive education, clean neighborhoods and environmental sustainability, reproductive freedom, economic and racial justice and expanding voter protections.

“While we’re still waiting for returns on several races, the energy and enthusiasm from the volunteers who worked for months through this evening to turn out every last vote this year was incredible. Our organizers didn’t leave anyone behind. Through our cultural organizing work, we met people where they were. We recruited artists to inspire their audiences to get engaged. We worked with influencers with social media followings. We worked with gamers who weren’t policy experts, but we got them talking about policy changes. These innovative strategies turned people, including Black and brown young people who aren’t on college campuses, into voters and community leaders.

“The results of last night’s election are clear evidence that Michiganders reject fascist politics incited by Trump and instead fight for a hopeful future in which all people, regardless of race, income, or zip code, deserve an equitable future where we all can thrive.”

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Detroit Action is a grassroots community-based organization building power for workers and Metro Detroiters of color throughout our metro region. We represent over 2,000 residents and 600 small businesses in Detroit. Follow us on Twitter or reach out to us at info@detroitaction.org to learn more.