Bernie Sanders with Jack White during last Michigan presidential primary (Photo: Campaign photographer Bryan Giradinelli)
Michigan wants to have a bigger say in presidential elections.
State Democratic leaders are pushing to make the state one of the first in the 2024 presidential primary season. Currently, Iowa is first, followed by New Hampshire. Michigan, which held its last presidential primary in March, is far down on the list.
A letter, dated June 15 to the Democratic National Committee, which is considering changing the order, states:
"We believe Michigan’s diversity, representation, and competitiveness make it the best choice to help America choose a President who represents our shared values and perspectives and will help move our nation forward. Michigan is the most racially diverse battleground state and a true microcosm of America."
"However, Michigan isn’t just racially diverse – Michigan also represents the full spectrum of economic and geographic backgrounds. From the manufacturing innovators of Detroit, to cancer researchers in Ann Arbor, to high-tech workers in Grand Rapids, to agricultural producers in Traverse City, to small businesses in the Upper Peninsula, together, Michigan reflects the experiences of the rest of the country."
The letter is signed by Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and seven House members from Michigan, including Debbie Dingell, who is helping lead the charge.
An early primary would be for both Democrats and Republicans.
The members go on to say in the letter that "an early primary in Michigan is a down payment on the general election. An early primary in Michigan will give a Presidential candidate a head start on critical organizing efforts that will pay off in November."
Sen. Stabenow tells Politico:
“It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment for us, and so, we have the business community, the labor community, the political community, the faith community — we have everyone, really, reaching out. Everyone in Michigan is excited to really be recognized for what we’ve known for a long time … we are the place to pick presidents.”
The Democratic State Cental Committee also sponsors a signature campaign, "Move Up Michigan."
