Michigan Black caucus endorses Hertel for party chair

Some Black leaders initially wanted to support a Detroit area candidate.

Screenshot from Hertelforchair.com

The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus is endorsing state Sen. Curtis Hertel of Lansing for state party chair.

The Michigan Democratic Party, which has been led by Lavora Barnes for the past five years, will elect a new chair on Feb. 22 during its annual convection in Detroit. Barnes became the first Black party chair in state history. Barnes announced she wouldn’t seek re-election following Democratic losses in the November election.

“The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus proudly endorses Senator Curtis Hertel for Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. We believe he is the best choice to move our Party forward and has committed to advancing our policy agenda to promote the interests and concerns of African Americans and to elect African Americans to office.”