Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made endorsements in the two House seats up for special election, endorsing Macomb County Commissioner Mai Xiong for the 13th House District and Westland City Council Member President Pro Tempore Andrea Rutkowski in the 25th District.
Both seats are open after former Reps. Lori Stone and Kevin Coleman won their respective elections for Warren and Westland mayor.
There are three Democrats running in Warren’s 13th District – Xiong, former Rep. LaMar Lemmons III and Suzanne Ostosh.
In Westland, five Democrats are fighting for the seat, including Rutkowski, Wayne-Westland Community Schools Trustee Melandie Hines, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit)’s program manager Layla Taha, City Council member Peter Herzberg and former Michigan League of Conservation Voters director of partnerships Shannon Rochon.
Whitmer made the announcement of both endorsements Thursday on X, several hours after Xiong received an endorsement from Emily’s List Interim President Jessica Mackler.
In Warren’s race, she highlighted Xiong’s work on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, and her commitment to “giving everyone in the 13th District a voice at the table.”
“Today, I’m endorsing MaiXiongMI for State House District 13. Mai has worked tirelessly on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and is committed to giving everyone in the 13th District a voice at the table.” pic.twitter.com/5PkbEKkpGV — Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) December 14, 2023
In Westland’s race, she focused on Rutkowski’s role as a community leader, mom and fighter for public safety and infrastructure.
“I couldn’t be prouder to endorse AndreaRutkowsk1 for Michigan State House. As a community leader, a mom, and a fighter for public safety, infrastructure, and small businesses, Andrea will fight for the working families of the 25th District.” pic.twitter.com/T6ZQAqgjmZ — Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) December 14, 2023
While the Macomb race is quickly evolving into a coronation for Xiong, the Westland seat promises to be more interesting. Coleman is endorsing Herzberg, who happens to be his cousin. Outside of that endorsement, however, the Westland City Council member has been endorsed in the past by the UAW, AFL-CIO and the IBEW.
Herzberg has been sitting down with organized labor for this campaign as part of screening interviews and the early reports from one source are that things are going well on that front.
Article courtesy MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
Click here for more News & Resources.