Van Buren Township

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term and Kimberly Ann Thomas for the full term. Both Justice Bolden and Thomas were nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party. Note: The Michigan Supreme Court race is found on the non-partisan section of the ballot.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Kimberly Ann Thomas is a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic, representing low-income individuals who otherwise would not have access to legal support. Her deep commitment to justice is rooted in her career teaching future lawyers about ethical practices and fighting for fairness for all. As a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, Thomas brings a dedication to integrity, compassion, and reform, particularly for underserved communities.

Her leadership on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform stands out as a key part of her career. Using a data-driven approach, she championed meaningful reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system, addressing systemic inequities. Kimberly Thomas believes in equal justice and representation for all citizens, regardless of background or financial means. Her experience gives her a vision for a more just Michigan, where everyone has the right to fair representation and access to the courts.

Thomas is running against Andrew Fink, who has a background as Republican state representative and is a candidate aligned with the ultra-conservative Federalist Society, known for backing judges like Amy Coney Barrett and Brett M. Kavanaugh, and the decisions that have led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Fink holds extreme views that go beyond reproductive rights. His record includes opposition to marriage equality and protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Fink has also consistently voted against expanding voting rights, including laws aimed at easing voter registration, preventing poll worker intimidation, regulating deceptive political ads, and ensuring election integrity. Fink is endorsed by a huge lineup of Michigan's far-right, conservative lawmakers, including those who pushed conspiracy theories about our elections.

Fink’s stance is sharply contrasted by Thomas, who has fought for inclusive, accessible justice. His resistance to funding measures that would help implement voter-approved amendments expanding early voting and his votes against enhancing the election certification process further illustrate his radical agenda.

Kimberly Ann Thomas is the best choice in the race against Fink for the full term on the court.

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term and Kimberly Ann Thomas for the full term. Both Justice Bolden and Thomas were nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party. Note: The Michigan Supreme Court race is found on the non-partisan section of the ballot.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, MI Poder, Michigan United Action, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden made history as the first Black woman appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, replacing Bridget Mary McCormack. Justice Bolden is committed to protecting equal justice, expanding access to justice, and upholding the rule of law. In her second year on the court, she has authored three majority opinions, including one unanimous decision. Her approach centers on ensuring that all citizens—regardless of their gender, race, or background—receive fair and equal treatment under the law.

Justice Bolden started her career as a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she served two terms. During her tenure, she championed criminal justice reform and passed five bipartisan bills to protect survivors of sexual violence.

Justice Bolden brings a vital perspective to the Michigan Supreme Court through her diverse life experiences and deep engagement with the criminal justice system. As the first Black woman to serve on the state's highest court, she represents a much-needed voice for communities that have been historically marginalized in the legal system. Her background as a criminal defense attorney, civil litigator, and legislator allows her to understand the complexities of law from multiple angles, particularly the disproportionate impacts of the system on vulnerable populations.

Bolden’s opponent, Patrick William O’Grady is the Michigan Republican Party nominee and is endorsed by Donald Trump, whose choice of justices at the federal level led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. O’Grady is endorsed by far-right, fringe figures such as Ted Nugent and Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is the best choice in the race against O’Grady to fill a partial term on the court.

Voters will elect two members of the State Board of Education this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Adam Zemke and Ted Jones as the best candidates in this race.

Adam Zemke is from Ann Arbor and served as a lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He is an appointed member of the state’s MiSTEM Advisor Council, which works to make Michigan a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Ted Jones is from Detroit and the senior accountant for talent initiatives at Global Detroit, a nonprofit that works to include immigrants in the economy. Previously he worked as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican candidates in this race are incumbents Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, who have served since 2016. Tom McMillin was formerly a representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014 where he earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the caucus and owns a public accounting firm. As a State Board of Education member, McMillin voted against the resolution the State Board of Education passed earlier this year to bring more transparency and oversight to for-profit charter schools. McMillin and Snyder have both associated with far-right, anti-public schools groups such as FEC United and Moms for Liberty. They have spoken at events where opposition to free school lunches and universal preK school were spoken about as bad policies.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members of the State Board of Education this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Adam Zemke and Ted Jones as the best candidates in this race.

Adam Zemke is from Ann Arbor and served as a lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He is an appointed member of the state’s MiSTEM Advisor Council, which works to make Michigan a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Ted Jones is from Detroit and the senior accountant for talent initiatives at Global Detroit, a nonprofit that works to include immigrants in the economy. Previously he worked as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican candidates in this race are incumbents Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, who have served since 2016. Tom McMillin was formerly a representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014 where he earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the caucus and owns a public accounting firm. As a State Board of Education member, McMillin voted against the resolution the State Board of Education passed earlier this year to bring more transparency and oversight to for-profit charter schools. McMillin and Snyder have both associated with far-right, anti-public schools groups such as FEC United and Moms for Liberty. They have spoken at events where opposition to free school lunches and universal preK school were spoken about as bad policies.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs as the best candidates in this race.

Denise Ilitch is an incumbent regent running for re-election. The first person in her family to go to college, Ilitch understands the importance of fighting for a quality, affordable education for all. She brings a diverse business experience to the role and she serves on a variety of area nonprofit boards. She will do everything she can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships, and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people.

Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs is a former regent who left the Board in 2020. She is a University of Michigan Alumna, having received her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1994. She served as the first-ever medical director of the Detroit Medical Center Advanced Laser Treatment Center and as a proponent of community engagement, also serves as a member of the Junior League of Detroit and serves on the board of directors of several area nonprofits.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan. Ilitch has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian. Meyers appears to believe that school shootings are caused by video games and is against transgender athletes.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs as the best candidates in this race.

Denise Ilitch is an incumbent regent running for re-election. The first person in her family to go to college, Ilitch understands the importance of fighting for a quality, affordable education for all. She brings a diverse business experience to the role and she serves on a variety of area nonprofit boards. She will do everything she can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships, and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people.

Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs is a former regent who left the Board in 2020. She is a University of Michigan Alumna, having received her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1994. She served as the first-ever medical director of the Detroit Medical Center Advanced Laser Treatment Center and as a proponent of community engagement, also serves as a member of the Junior League of Detroit and serves on the board of directors of several area nonprofits.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan. Ilitch has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian. Meyers appears to believe that school shootings are caused by video games and is against transgender athletes.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth as the best candidates in this race.

Thomas Stallworth has worked as a manager with the Detroit Urban League and a civil servant for the City of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He is a former Michigan state representative, having served from 2011 to 2014. He served as a board member in Detroit Public Schools and helped establish the Aisha Schule After School Tutorial Program in Detroit.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook is an MSU Alumna and proud parent of two recent MSU graduates. As a small business owner living in East Lansing, she has helped dozens of nonprofits and Democratic candidates raise the resources needed to improve the lives of Michigan’s citizens. She served for over a decade on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, served as chair of the Ingham County Board of Canvassers, and founded and served as a member of the Ingham County Women’s Commission for nearly 20 years.

Bahar-Cook’s priorities include improving MSU’s affordability for Michigan families, promoting board civility and cooperation with university groups, and maintaining MSU’s ranking as a premier research institution. She will work to ensure that student workers, staff and faculty are treated with respect and dignity and that community safety is a priority on all levels.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Mike Balow and Julie Maday. In 2020 Maday supported the big lie as a member of the Novi City Council.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth as the best candidates in this race.

Thomas Stallworth has worked as a manager with the Detroit Urban League and a civil servant for the City of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He is a former Michigan state representative, having served from 2011 to 2014. He served as a board member in Detroit Public Schools and helped establish the Aisha Schule After School Tutorial Program in Detroit.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook is an MSU Alumna and proud parent of two recent MSU graduates. As a small business owner living in East Lansing, she has helped dozens of nonprofits and Democratic candidates raise the resources needed to improve the lives of Michigan’s citizens. She served for over a decade on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, served as chair of the Ingham County Board of Canvassers, and founded and served as a member of the Ingham County Women’s Commission for nearly 20 years.

Bahar-Cook’s priorities include improving MSU’s affordability for Michigan families, promoting board civility and cooperation with university groups, and maintaining MSU’s ranking as a premier research institution. She will work to ensure that student workers, staff and faculty are treated with respect and dignity and that community safety is a priority on all levels.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Mike Balow and Julie Maday. In 2020 Maday supported the big lie as a member of the Novi City Council.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rasha Demashkie and Mark Gaffney as the best candidates in this race.

Rasha Demashkie has served as commissioner and vice chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, served on the Port Huron Area School District board of trustees, the executive board of the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services, and the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Rasha Demashkie is focused on student success and providing a wide range of experiences that promote their growth; providing a diverse education experience that is affordable and accessible; and offering quality, exciting, cutting edge learning with real life experiences. She will work to prepare students for meaningful employment and help them flourish in the future workforce, and she will support top quality engaged staff who are dedicated to the success and growth of their students.

Mark Gaffney is an incumbent who took office in 2017 and is running for re-election. Gaffney is recently retired from Teamsters Local Union #214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan. He was previously elected three times to serve as the president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, becoming one of the leading political, legislative, and labor figures in the state. He has extensive expertise in workforce issues and labor relations.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Michael Busuito and Sunny Reddy. In June of 2023 when the Wayne State Board of Governors was voting on the new Center for Gender and Sexuality, Bustito made comments about how the LGBTQ+ community is out of control and they have psychiatric issues. Reddy is against DEI and trans athletes.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney are the best choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rasha Demashkie and Mark Gaffney as the best candidates in this race.

Rasha Demashkie has served as commissioner and vice chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, served on the Port Huron Area School District board of trustees, the executive board of the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services, and the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Rasha Demashkie is focused on student success and providing a wide range of experiences that promote their growth; providing a diverse education experience that is affordable and accessible; and offering quality, exciting, cutting edge learning with real life experiences. She will work to prepare students for meaningful employment and help them flourish in the future workforce, and she will support top quality engaged staff who are dedicated to the success and growth of their students.

Mark Gaffney is an incumbent who took office in 2017 and is running for re-election. Gaffney is recently retired from Teamsters Local Union #214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan. He was previously elected three times to serve as the president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, becoming one of the leading political, legislative, and labor figures in the state. He has extensive expertise in workforce issues and labor relations.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney have been endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Michael Busuito and Sunny Reddy. In June of 2023 when the Wayne State Board of Governors was voting on the new Center for Gender and Sexuality, Bustito made comments about how the LGBTQ+ community is out of control and they have psychiatric issues. Reddy is against DEI and trans athletes.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney are the best choices in this race.