Opinion: Does the Democratic Party want Michigan’s Black progressives to win? - Detroit Metro Times

[Cruel Centi]

A Pattern of Disregard: Michigan Democrats' Treatment of Black Progressives

In the highly contested Michigan Senate primary, a striking narrative has emerged that speaks to the darker corners of Democratic Party politics. Fundraising committees linked to influential Democrat leaders have poured nearly $70,000 into the contest – with one notable exception: a progressive Black candidate running on strong grassroots momentum.

Dr. Pamela Pugh, who boasts the most community endorsements and substantial fundraising lead in the race, faces opposition from powerful Democrats who back more moderate candidates. It's a disturbing pattern that questions whether Michigan Democrats are committed to empowering their Black constituents or sacrificing them for short-term gains.

This isn't an isolated incident; just a few months into 2026, two promising progressive Democratic candidates dropped out of contention for statewide office. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie both had strong claims to victory but were encouraged by party leadership to exit the race, leaving fewer viable options for voters.

The decision seems to stem from a broader mindset within Michigan Democratic Party circles that dismisses Black representation in higher office as secondary considerations. By backing candidates who don't align with their progressive values or are less likely to win – essentially creating a 'party line' candidate – they risk losing the trust of critical demographics.

The impact is not insignificant; this strategy is an insult to Black voters, particularly those crucial to Michigan's electoral landscape. For decades, Black people have made up 14% of the state's electorate yet hold only four statewide offices. When top-tier Democrats dismiss their preferred progressive candidates in favor of more moderate ones, it leaves Black voters feeling marginalized and disillusioned.

These tactics undermine not just the aspirations of Dr. Pugh or other progressive hopefuls but also the hard-won gains by Democrats across the board. In a state where corporate interests now bankroll an 'independent' gubernatorial campaign – one championing divisive policies that harm Michigan's working people – it's imperative that Democratic leadership takes Black voters seriously.

The message to party leaders should be clear: less manipulation, more empowerment. As James Johnson notes, when Black voters deliver the margins needed for key victories in 2020, it shouldn't only matter on election day but every single day.

 

[Poor Piran]

I mean, what's up with these Democratic leaders? They're basically telling their own kind that they don't deserve a shot at the top. Like, Dr. Pugh has all this grassroots support and fundraising under her belt, but still, nobody wants to back her. Meanwhile, more moderate candidates get a free pass just because they fit into the party's 'party line'. It's not like Black voters are some sort of novelty that needs to be checked off a list every four years . I guess what it says is that Michigan Democrats still have a lot to learn about representation and inclusion.

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

I'm so worried about the Democratic Party's treatment of their own Black members #NotMyParty. It seems like they're more concerned with short-term gains than truly empowering marginalized communities . The fact that top-tier Democrats are pushing aside progressive candidates in favor of 'party line' ones is a major turn-off for Black voters, who deserve so much better . We need to see more support and investment from the party's leadership to uplift Black voices and representation #BlackLivesMatter #DemocratsForChange. It's time for them to listen to their base and not just talk about progress .

 

[Tho]

I'm kinda worried about this pattern of disregarding Black progressive candidates in Michigan Democratic primaries... It feels like they're more interested in playing it safe and maintaining party control than empowering their base . They need to take a closer look at why they're doing this, because if they keep backing moderate candidates over strong progressives, they'll lose the trust of their most loyal voters .

It's not just about this one primary either – we've seen similar tactics play out in other states, and it's having a real impact on Black voter turnout . When you dismiss your own people's preferred candidates, you're sending a message that they don't matter... And let's be real, Michigan's demographics are already pretty skewed towards being more progressive than not .

I'm all for party unity and avoiding a divided ticket, but this kind of behind-the-scenes manipulation is just plain shady . They need to get their priorities straight and start putting the needs of Black voters first – or risk losing out on crucial wins in the future

 

[Obsessive-Compulsiv]

this is so messed up i mean i get that parties gotta make tough decisions and all but when u got a candidate like dr pugh who's basically running on the backs of her community - it feels like they're just gonna throw her under the bus for some other guy. like what even is the point of having progressive values if ur just gonna ignore the people whos voting for u?

 

[Comfort]

[Image of a sad Ken doll with a caption "When your progressive values get left behind "]

 

[Derek Smart']

come on dems, can't even handle a lil' progressive candidate in michigan . they're more worried about keepin' the party line than empowerin' their own black constituents . it's like they think we just magically appear in elections or somethin' . and now they're tryin' to dictate who should run for office? no thanks, party leadership . the fact that they're essentially creatin' a "party line" candidate is straight up insulting to black voters . we've been waitin' for our voices to be heard in michigan politics for decades, and now you're tryin' to silence us with your backroom deals ? not on my watch .

 

[In Search o]

I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, this Michigan Senate primary is super weird . It's like the Democrats are pitting their own people against each other instead of standing together for a common goal. Black progressives like Dr. Pugh are getting screwed over by party leaders who are more worried about maintaining power than doing what's right. It's like, if you're gonna be a Democrat, stand with your base, not against them . This is exactly why voter turnout and trust in the system is so low – when the people in charge don't respect or represent us, we just don't show up .

 

[Xanthous Xenom]

Ugh, this is just so depressing I mean, you'd think that with all the progress we've made in recent years, the Democratic party would be more inclusive and supportive of its Black members... but nope . It's like they're stuck in a time warp, only looking out for their own interests instead of representing the people who put them in office.

I remember when Obama was first elected and everyone was so hopeful about change... now it just feels like more of the same old thing . The fact that these powerful Democrats are trying to shut down progressive candidates just because they don't fit their mold is just disgusting. It's like they're prioritizing short-term gains over long-term relationships with their constituents.

And can we talk about how this isn't even a new phenomenon? I've seen this same kind of thing happening in other states, where the party leadership just ignores the concerns and needs of its Black voters... it's like they're not even listening . It's time for some real change in the Democratic party if they want to actually be representative of all their constituents, not just a select few .

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

I'm getting so tired of these big-name politicians playing favorites and leaving the little guys behind. It's like they think Black voters are just tokens or something . Dr. Pugh has all this grassroots support, yet she gets shut out by party leaders because her message isn't 'party-approved'. Meanwhile, some other candidate who is basically a carbon copy of the establishment gets a free pass. It's not like they're not qualified or anything... they just don't have the same level of community love behind them .

And what really gets me is that this isn't an isolated incident. I've seen it happen before with other progressive candidates, and it always seems to be because of a lack of diversity on the leadership side. They're so out of touch with what's happening on the ground . It's like they think Black voters are just going to magically vote for whoever is 'acceptable' to them, rather than actually listening to their concerns and advocating for change .

I swear, if I see one more article about how Democrats need to 'do better' at representing Black voters without any actual concrete solutions or real changes being proposed... I'm gonna lose it . It's time for some real reform around here, not just empty platitudes .

 

[Blissful P]

I mean, come on... Democrats are supposed to represent everyone's interests, not just the ones that line their pockets. I remember back in my day, we had party loyalists who were actually about giving a voice to the underdog. Nowadays, it seems like they're more concerned with saving their own seats than making real change.

This Michigan primary is just another example of how out of touch some Democrats have become. It's not about winning or losing, it's about using your power to uplift marginalized communities. I've seen this same pattern play out in other states and cities – it's time for party leaders to wake up and smell the coffee! We can't keep relying on the same old tactics that only perpetuate more of the same inequality.

I'm not saying it's easy, but when you're elected, you should be a champion for every single voter, not just those who share your values. It's about building trust and taking people seriously – especially in communities that have been historically overlooked. We need leaders who are willing to listen, learn, and grow with the times. Anything less is just a bunch of noise!

 

[Blissfu]

I'm seeing this pattern of disregard in other states too, like how black candidates are being pushed to the side in favor of more moderate ones... and I think its crazy how much influence these big donors have over the party's decisions they're basically buying their loyalty, which is not what democracy should be about

I mean, we already know that Michigan's got a serious issue with black representation – only 4 out of 13 statewide offices are held by people of color, and it's getting to the point where Black voters are just feeling ignored I'm not sure what's more disturbing: the fact that Democrats are doing this or that they think they can get away with it

It's like, we're living in a time where corporate interests are influencing our politics and it's getting out of control The message to party leaders should be clear: less manipulation, more empowerment

 

[Mystic Mountain Climber]

I'm seeing this all over socials and I gotta say, it's wild . Michigan Democrats are straight up playing the game with their own people. Like, Dr. Pugh is crushing it in terms of community endorsements and fundraising, but they're still backing these other candidates who aren't even close to her level? It just don't make sense.

And can we talk about how this strategy is messing with Black voters' trust? They've been waiting for years to see some representation from within their own party, and now it feels like they're being sold out. It's not just about the primary election, it's about the bigger picture – what's gonna happen when Black folks show up at the polls in droves?

We need to get real about this, though. If Michigan Democrats want to stay relevant, they gotta start putting their money where their mouth is and backing candidates who actually represent them. No more 'party line' candidates; it's time for some real change

 

[Dangerou]

just saw this article about Michigan Democrats being super unfair to their black progressive candidates the whole $70k thing is wild... like why would they donate so much and not to the person who's actually winning? it's not like it's a small amount of money or anything. ‍♁️ i mean, we all know how important black voters are in elections, but it seems like some dems just don't get it... or maybe they do but are just ignoring them on purpose? anyway, this is a major red flag for the party and it's gonna be hard to recover from this.

 

[Horribl]

It's concerning to see Michigan Democrats' disregard for their Black progressive constituents . The pattern of backing moderate candidates over grassroots progressives is a red flag, indicating a deeper issue with party leadership prioritizing short-term gains over long-term empowerment . It's disheartening to think that the trust of critical demographics, like Black voters, is being compromised by a 'party line' mentality . This not only undermines the aspirations of Dr. Pugh and others but also erodes the hard-won gains made by Democrats across the board . Michigan needs leaders who take Black voters seriously and prioritize their empowerment, rather than manipulating them for party benefits .

 

[Enchanting Emu]

can u believe this?! its like they're tryin to hold back a black candidate who's actually winnin by dumpin money into the opposing side what about all those years of them sayin they wanna represent black people? now it feels like just another way 2 keep 'em in line meanwhile, the real winners r the corporate $$$ folks gettin in on that independent gubernatorial campaign

 

[Gifted Gibbon]

I'm shocked by this stuff going on with the Michigan Democrats . They're basically disregarding their own progressive values just to win elections. It's like they think Black voters are an afterthought or something. I mean, we've seen this before in other places where politicians have more money and power, but it's still not cool when they're doing it within their own party.

It's especially frustrating because Dr. Pugh has been building a solid grassroots movement, but the powers that be are just gonna throw money at some other candidate and ignore her efforts? That's not how you build trust with your voters, fam . Michigan Democrats need to remember that Black voters have been crucial in their wins for years now, so they shouldn't be treated like an exception .

It's all about empowerment and less manipulation, imo . When party leaders start listening to their base instead of just playing it safe, that's when you see real change happen .

 

[Dull Deer]

what's up with dems treating black progressives like dirt? think about it theyre pouring all that cash into more moderate candidates while a strong black candidate is killing it on the ground meanwhile we got lt gov and deputy sec of state just ghosted by party leadership gotta wonder if its all about maintaining the status quo instead of lifting up marginalized voices in the party

 

[Bew]

I'm telling ya, this is some shady stuff ... The fact that big-name Dems are trying to squash the progressive Black candidates in Michigan and push their own party line is just plain suspicious. It's like they're more worried about maintaining power than actually listening to what Black voters want . And don't even get me started on the whole "we need more moderate candidates" thing – that just sounds like a code word for "we're gonna play it safe and leave our true supporters behind". I'm calling foul, folks! There's gotta be more to this story than meets the eye .

 

[Almighty Math Hero]

I'm not surprised to see this kind of treatment towards black progressives in the Dem party... It's like they're more worried about maintaining their own power than actually listening to their constituents. This is what happens when you have a party that's more concerned with being "centrist" than being inclusive and representative.

I mean, 70k dollars poured into one candidate while leaving the progressive Black candidate in the dust? That's just plain shady. It's like they're trying to send a message that their endorsement is all that matters, not what the community actually wants.

And it's not just this one incident... the fact that two other promising candidates dropped out of contention because party leadership didn't want them to win? That's a systemic problem right there.