All week, the Democratic National Convention highlighted Michigan Dems’ energy and hard work going into November

LANSING — This week, Michigan Dems were out in full force at the Democratic National Convention as state leaders spoke on the convention stage, and the delegation showed the country how fired up we are to deliver Michigan for Kamala Harris. Every morning, the Michigan delegation breakfast heard from national leaders about the stakes of this election for all of us. It was a historic week where the energy was electric every single night, and Michigan Dems are excited to carry that into the next 74 days until the election. 

Each night, a Michigan Democratic leader spoke to the entire convention about our values, our democracy, and the threat that Donald Trump poses to them. First up, state Senator Mallory McMorrow reminded Democrats that Project 2025 is a threat to every single issue Michiganders care about — abortion access, affordable healthcare, a fair economy, and more. By Tuesday, Senator Gary Peters joined the Obamas in reminding delegates that this election will decide between the very different futures Vice President Harris and Donald Trump offer — so we can’t afford to lose. 

On Wednesday, Attorney General Dana Nessel told Republicans and the ultra-conservative Supreme Court that we will not let them strip us of our rights without a fight. The last night of the convention was a Michigan Dems doubleheader, with both Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking to our patriotism and a brighter future for our country. 

Check out more from the DNC below: 

All week, our very own Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes was highlighting the palpable energy during this historic convention as Democrats officially united behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. Chair Barnes described the energy on the ground in Michigan and what we’re going to take away from it all. Here are the highlights: 

CNN: Harris Arrives in Chicago for Democratic Convention

New York Times: Democrats Say Hi — and Bye — to President Biden

• “We started out, as you know, with President Biden, who we all love, we all adore, we look forward to seeing him tonight,” Minyon Moore, the chair of the convention committee, said at a news briefing…
• “We are pro-Joe all the way,” said Lavora Barnes, the chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, who called Biden one of the best presidents ever. But, she added, “we are moving on, moving forward with our vice president and with Tim Walz.”

Washington Post: Democrats signal voting rights bills will top the agenda if Harris wins

• In Michigan, voters amended the state constitution to guarantee nine days of early voting and expand the use of ballot drop boxes. Democratic state lawmakers followed up that action with legislation to protect election officials from intimidation and strengthen the process for certifying accurate results.
• Lavora Barnes, the chairwoman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said Congress should follow her state’s lead by giving people more opportunities to vote.
• “It opens the doors for people who have other obligations that sometimes get in the way of making it possible to go vote,” she said.

Detroit News: ‘A giant step’: Black Democratic women reflect on Kamala Harris’ historic nomination

• Harris presents the first real chance to get a woman into the Oval Office since Democrats’ hopes were dashed in 2016 when Clinton lost to Trump, Michigan Democratic Party Chairwoman Lavora Barnes said.
• “I will say that the important thing to me about Kamala Harris is more her qualifications and the fact that she will be an outstanding president of the United States,” Barnes said. “That she happens to be a Black woman also makes me damn proud.”

On Wednesday, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Representative Dan Kildee got their well-deserved praise from their colleagues in the House, Senate, and many of the other organizations they helped in their years of service. We can never thank them enough for all they have done for Michiganders and our families: 

C-SPAN: Democratic Lawmakers Speak at Michigan Delegation Breakfast

Michigan Advance: Stabenow hailed as paving way for Harris to get elected

• For roughly two hours, a team of state and federal leaders honored Stabenow and U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint), who are both retiring at the end of the year when their current terms end…
• “She is the epitome of a Michigander who shows up with grit, cares about her neighbors and doesn’t back down from a tough fight,” Whitmer said.

Throughout the week, Michigan Democrats made us proud as they took to the stage and showed the country the kind of tough, compassionate leaders we have here: 

USA Today: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tells DNC convention crowd: ‘She gets us’