8th House District

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Emgage Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Emgage Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who has represented Michigan for three terms in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives, is running this year for her first term representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Slotkin spent much of her career working on national security issues for the federal government. After losing her mother to cancer and witnessing firsthand the way families dealing with a serious illness must also navigate tremendous financial stress, she decided to run for Congress and work toward a more just healthcare system.

In addition to taking on big pharma and insurance companies, Rep. Slotkin’s policy priorities include creating safer communities via gun violence prevention laws, protecting abortion rights, reducing inequality and ensuring all families have what they need to thrive, and defending our democracy and voting rights.

Rep. Slotkin has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Slotkin’s opponent is Mike Rogers, a Trump-endorsed candidate who shares many of the former president’s priorities, including harsh, authoritarian immigration and policing policies, criminalizing abortion, and supporting corporations over everyday Americans. Mike Rogers recently moved back to Michigan after living in Florida for years in order to run for the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin is the most progressive choice in this race.

Rep. Haley Stevens is a Birmingham, MI native and consistent advocate who is running for her fourth term in Congress to represent the 11th District.

An Obama administration alum, Rep. Stevens helped save the auto industry as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Auto Rescue Task Force. She has always been a strong supporter of unions and of women’s equality, and her policy platform includes passing gun violence prevention laws to make our communities safer, holding big pharma accountable and protecting patients, combating climate change, and ensuring LGBTQ+ people have equal rights.

Rep. Stevens has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, MI Poder, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Stevens’ opponent in this race is Nick Somberg, a libertarian running as a Republican who supports harsh, unproductive immigration policies and is not committed to protecting reproductive freedom.

Rep. Haley Stevens is the most progressive choice in this race.

Rep. Shri Thanedar is a businessman and former state legislator running for his second term in Congress to represent the 13th District.

Rep. Thanedar’s policy priorities include passing common sense gun violence prevention laws, protecting abortion rights, ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all, and defending the freedom to vote.

Rep. Thanedar has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Thanedar’s opponent in this race is Martell Bivings, a Republican who has aligned himself with Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda.

Rep. Shri Thanedar is the most progressive choice in this race.

Helena Scott is an incumbent Democrat running for her third term to the Michigan House of Representatives. She currently represents the 7th District and is running to represent the 8th District, due to redistricting. She serves on the Higher Education; Insurance and Financial Services; Regulatory Reform; and Housing committees and chairs the Energy, Communications, and Technology committee in the State Legislature.

​​Scott served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Scott also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.

Before running for office, Scott was an organizer and long-time labor and social justice community activist. Scott has a steady history of fighting for the people of Michigan, including organizing for the One Fair Wage and Earned Paid Sick Time campaigns, and serving on the Restaurant Opportunities Center Protect and Defend Steering Committee, advocating for fair wages for restaurant workers.

Scott believes in creating an economy that works for all, where wages meet the cost of living and the wealthy pay their fair share. She supports fully funding public education, including wrap-around services, and making college more affordable. She will prioritize public safety by improving infrastructure and increasing funding for water testing. Scott will fight to support workers’ rights and protect reproductive freedom.

Scott has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Scott is running against MAGA Republican Alex Kuhn.

Helena Scott is the most progressive choice in this race.

Christina Hines, a Macomb County native, is a Democrat running for Macomb County prosecuting attorney. With a law degree from Wayne State University and extensive experience—including leading the Appeals Division and Special Victims Unit at the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office—she has championed justice through initiatives like the Restorative Justice Diversion Program and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

Hines will work to ensure justice for victims of violent and sexual crimes. She will focus on providing thorough investigations, trauma-informed support, and community collaboration to address these issues effectively.

Hines also aims to shift the focus from criminalization to treatment for drug addiction and mental health, advocating for expanded rehabilitation options and diversion programs. She will work to reduce racial disparities, hold polluters accountable, and promote fairness and integrity within the Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, Hines supports crime prevention initiatives and strives to ensure respectful and dignified operations in the office.

Hines has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan Education Association, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Hines is running against politically controversial Republican candidate Peter J. Lucido, who has faced numerous accusations about his treatment of women in professional settings and employees within the county. While in the legislature, he earned a reputation as a far-right lawmaker.

Christina Hines is the best choice in this race.

Anthony M. Wickersham is a Democrat running for re-election as Macomb County sheriff. He has dedicated nearly three decades to the Sheriff’s Office and was first appointed sheriff of Macomb County in 2011. Wickersham holds an associate’s degree from Macomb County Community College and a bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University. He has also completed advanced training at the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. Sheriff Wickersham remains committed to delivering efficient and effective public safety services to both residents and visitors of Macomb County.

Wickersham has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: Michigan Education Association.

Wickersham is running against Republican candidate Scott Budnick, who holds dangerous right-wing views on immigration.

Anthony M. Wickersham is the best choice in this race.

David Adams is a Democrat running for his first term as Macomb County Clerk. According to his website, he will offer integrity, transparency, and a commitment to responsible governance.

Adams is running against Republican incumbent Anthony G. Forlini who is decidedly right-wing and has previously hired right-wing extremists to train poll workers.

David Adams is the best choice in this race.

Matt Churchwell is a Democrat candidate for Macomb County treasurer with deep roots in the community. Churchwell holds a master’s in organizational leadership and an MBA from Detroit Mercy.

Churchwell is dedicated to supporting Macomb County's working families and fostering a robust local economy. He believes that strong unions are essential for maintaining a thriving middle class and ensuring fair wages for workers. As Treasurer, Churchwell will advocate for fair business practices, high-quality jobs, and ensuring that local workers are well-compensated.

In addition to economic concerns, Churchwell emphasizes the importance of addressing family needs and improving infrastructure. He aims to support families facing financial hardships and advocate for the responsible use of property tax revenue to repair and enhance local roads and public services. Churchwell is also a staunch advocate for reproductive freedom. His approach focuses on integrating economic development, family support, and personal freedoms to build a stronger, more equitable Macomb County.

Churchwell has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan Education Association and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Churchwell is running against Republican candidate Larry Rocca.

Matthew Churchwell is the best choice in this race.

Kevin Higgins is a Democrat running for his first term as Macomb Public Works Commissioner.

She is running against Republican incumbent Candice Miller, who opposes efforts to keep water accessible and affordable to low-income families and was endorsed by Donald Trump in 2016

We are recommending voters consider Kevin Higgins over Candice Miller based on the information we were able to find.

Dave Coulter is a Democrat running for his second term as Oakland County executive. He is the first Democrat to hold this office, in addition to being the first who is openly part of the LGBTQ+ community. Coulter previously served as mayor of Ferndale and on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

As executive, his accomplishments include establishing offices focusing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Older Adult Services. Coulter has also made strides to increase access to post-secondary education and address student mental health. If reelected, Coulter plans on continuing his work to expand public transportation options and move county operations back to downtown Pontiac.

Coulter has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan Education Association, Sierra Club - Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Coulter is running against MAGA Republican Nik Gjonaj. Gjonaj is a supporter of former President Donald Trump and opposes efforts to foster diversity in county government.

Dave Coulter is the best choice in this race.

Karen McDonald is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term as Oakland County prosecuting attorney. She is a former high school English teacher and also served as a judge on the Oakland County Circuit Court.

Since taking office, McDonald has focused on juvenile justice reform and restoring fairness in the legal system. McDonald is responsible for establishing Oakland County’s first-ever Convictions Integrity Unit, which is responsible for reviewing claims of wrongful convictions and making recommendations for release. In July 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed McDonald to serve on the State of Michigan’s Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform. Notably, McDonald led the prosecution against the assailant responsible for the Oxford High School shooting, resulting in three convictions in February 2024.

McDonald has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

McDonald is running against Republican Scott Farida.

Karen McDonald is the best choice in this race.

Lisa Brown is an incumbent Democrat running for her fourth term as Oakland County clerk and register of deeds. Brown previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she was known as being an outspoken voice on women’s issues and reproductive freedom. Since being in office, Brown has made expanding voting rights a priority, working hard to establish early voting procedures and open a permanent satellite office. She also currently serves as vice president of the Michigan Association of County Clerks.

Brown has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan Education Association and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Brown is running against Republican Barb Pallotta. We couldn’t find much information on Pallotta, but she is campaigning with prominent conservative political figures.

Lisa Brown is the best choice in this race.

Robert Wittenberg is an incumbent Democrat running for his second term as Oakland County treasurer. He previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives, holding the role of vice-chair on both the House Financial Liability Reform Committee and the Insurance Committee. Wittenberg’s priorities include improving property values, reducing unjust foreclosures, and supporting local small businesses.

Wittenberg has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Michigan Education Association and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Wittenberg is running against Republican Donna Blake, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Blake holds harmful views towards the LGBTQ+ community and irresponsible views on taxes.

Robert Wittenberg is the best choice in this race.

Jim Nash is a Democratic incumbent running for his fourth term as Oakland County water resources commissioner. He served for three years as a U.S. Army Medical Specialist and is a past recipient of Michigan Sierra Club's Environmentalist of the Year award. His priorities include resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and water affordability.

Nash has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: Sierra Club - Michigan.

Nash is running against Republican Steve Johnson.

Jim Nash is the best choice in this race.

Raphael Washington is a Democrat running for re-election as Wayne County sheriff. Washington is a lifelong resident of Wayne County and has served with the Detroit Police Department for more than two decades. He is very active in the community and serves on multiple community boards. Washington believes law enforcement leaders must be discerning in their decision-making, yet compassionate. His background in law enforcement is wide-ranging, including supervision of incarcerated persons, policy development, and operational efficiency.

Washington is running against Republican T.P. Nykoriak.

Washington is the better choice in this race.

Cathy M. Garrett is a Democrat running for re-election as Wayne County clerk. She has spent her time in office working to modernize county records, implement more accessible voter services, reduce wait times, and improve overall experience to meet the community’s needs. Garrett has also advocated for and worked towards increased transparency in the clerk’s office.

Garrett is running against Libertarian Joseph H. LeBlanc.

Cathy M. Garrett is the best choice in this race.

Bernard J. Youngblood is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election as Wayne County register of deeds.

Youngblood is running against Republican Afaf Ahmad.

Bernard J. Youngblood is the best choice in this race.

Eric Sabree is an incumbent Democrat running unopposed for Wayne County treasurer. He is the best choice in this race.

Ann Erickson Gault is a Democrat running for her first full term on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. She was previously appointed to her role after this seat was vacant. Erickson Gault has been an attorney for 25 years and served on Troy City Council for four years. Her priorities include enhancing and expanding parks, developing attainable housing, and promoting better health, including better integrating mental health services into patient care.

Erickson Gault has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Erickson Gault is running against Republican Douglas MacLean.

Ann Erickson Gault is the best choice in this race.

Charlie Cavell is a Democrat running for his third term on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. He is a social worker who has worked for New Detroit, the City of Detroit, and in nonprofit administration. His priorities include fair economic development, building participation in local government, and racial justice. He is known for being a strong progressive voice on the Commission.

Cavell has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Cavell is running against Republican Paul Taros, whose personal social media contains anti-immigrant rhetoric and pro-Donald Trump content.

Charlie Cavell is the best choice in this race.

Jonathan C. Kinloch is an incumbent Democrat running unopposed for his second term to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Kinloch has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: Michigan Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. Jonathan Kinloch is the best choice for this race.

Irma Clark-Coleman is an incumbent Democrat running for re-election to her seventh term on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, where she has served since 2010. She formerly served in the Michigan State Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives, where she worked to improve educational standards and opportunities for students.

Clark-Coleman is running against Green Party candidate Stephen Boyle.

Irma Clark-Coleman is the best choice in this race.

Alisha Bell is an incumbent Democrat running unopposed for re-election to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, where she has served since 2002 when she was elected as the youngest African-American woman to serve on a County Board of Commissioners in the nation. Health care and criminal justice reform are among her priorities.

Bell is running unopposed and is the best choice in this race.