QnA with Curtis Hertel: Michigan’s Democratic Leader Says Party Can’t ‘Take People for Granted’

February 3, 2026

Curtis Hertel Jr. , a former Michigan state senator, took over as Michigan Democratic Party chair in February 2025, replacing Lavora Barnes who had led since 2019. Hertel has gained attention for aggressively challenging former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's independent gubernatorial campaign, accusing him of avoiding confrontation with Trump and using Republican tactics to win votes.

Who is affected

Curtis Hertel Jr. (new Michigan Democratic Party chair)
Mike Duggan (former Detroit mayor running as independent for governor)
Lavora Barnes (former party chair who stepped down)
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (running for attorney general)
Aghogho Edevbie and Adam Hollier (dropped out of secretary of state race)
Jocelyn Benson (Secretary of State facing discrimination lawsuit)
Detroit residents (affected by demolition site dirt scandal)
Michigan Democratic voters
Black Democratic candidates and grassroots members
John James (Black Republican U.S. House Rep running for governor)

What action is being taken

The Michigan Democratic Party is running a digital ad campaign blaming Duggan for the demolition site dirt scandal
The party is conducting press statements and billboard campaigns targeting Duggan
The party is conducting training and candidate development programs
Hertel is traveling the state meeting with local party organizations
Iron County Democrats have relaunched after more than a decade of inactivity

Why it matters

This matters because Michigan is a crucial swing state heading into the 2026 elections, and internal Democratic divisions could split the vote and hand victory to Republicans. Duggan's independent candidacy poses a particular threat since he is likely to draw more Democratic than Republican voters. The party's struggle to field and support Black candidates for statewide office represents a significant equity issue and could further alienate key Democratic constituencies. Democrats' 2024 losses across 79 of 83 Michigan counties indicate deep problems with voter engagement and messaging that could have national implications for the party's ability to compete in future elections.

What's next

The party will continue candidate training and development programs to build candidates "from the ground up"
Democrats will focus on developing an economic message that speaks to voters across the state
The gubernatorial race will continue with Duggan running as an independent against Democratic and Republican candidates
Garlin Gilchrist will continue his campaign for attorney general as the only Black candidate in major statewide races

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle