Commissioners call for Michigan's presidential primary to be moved up
Published on June 28, 2022
Wayne County commissioners called on the National Democratic Party to move the state's 2024 presidential primary election to a date ahead of the multi-state Super Tuesday primaries.
"With its racial and ethnic diversity as well as its status as a state that is heavily urban and heavily rural, Michigan is truly representative of America as a whole. As such, it's the perfect state to begin the process of selecting a president," said Commissioner Jonathan C. Kinloch (D-Detroit), who sponsored the resolution. The resolution supports efforts by state Democratic leaders who recently made a presentation to national committee members asking that Michigan be among the five states to hold early party primaries. State Republican leaders have also expressed support for moving up their party's 2024 primary.
Michigan held its last presidential primary on March 10, along with five other states and after 19 states had already held primaries or party caucuses.
A copy of the resolution is included:
RESOLUTION
By Commissioner Kinloch
WHEREAS, the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee is currently reassessing the order of state Presidential Primaries in 2024, and Wayne County adds it voice in support of Michigan's application to move up to the front of the Presidential Primary calendar; and
WHEREAS, Wayne County communities, and the state of Michigan, represent a diverse microcosm of America and leads the way in industry and investment in the issues that matter to voters. Michigan is also uniquely suited for candidates and campaigns of every variety; and
WHEREAS, in Michigan, and especially Wayne County, candidates and campaigns will be able to find every type of voter, in every type of community. It is a cross section of America, home to independents, moderates, progressives, and conservatives. It is made up of big, medium, and small cities and vast stretches of rural areas. Michigan is home to suburbs with both college-educated voters and manufacturing-based union voters. Michigan has dozens of big and small university and college towns to engage young voters; and
WHEREAS, Michigan is made up of incredibly talented people who make, grow, build, and innovate, the core values of America's future growth and prosperity. Michigan put the world on wheels, forged the arsenal of democracy, and built the American middle class. Future manufacturing and Industry 4.0 jobs are taking hold in communities in every region. Michigan is leading the way with investments from American titans like Ford and General Motors, global tech companies, and startups of every kind; and
WHEREAS, Michigan isn't just auto manufacturers: it is part of America's Main Street. Michigan small businesses employ 1.9 million employees – nearly half of all Michigan workers. Michigan businesses are diverse, with 33,000 Black-owned businesses located in Detroit alone. Metro Detroit is ranked at the top of the nation for growth of women-owned firms, ranking as the top metropolitan area with an 88% increase from 2014 to 2019. Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the country. Michigan's 46,000 farms contribute over $100 billion to Michigan's economy; and
WHEREAS, moving Michigan to the front of the line for the primaries will mean that Wayne County will be in the spotlight and glow of national and international media attention. The thousands of reporters, pundits and campaign staffers who will descend upon our airports, convention centers, hotels and restaurants will create a wide wave of economic spinoff that thousands of our residents will benefit from; and
WHEREAS, Wayne County will be included in the national conversation and debate about the issues, challenges and opportunities that are uniquely ours. Michigan, and Wayne County, can show America and the candidates how we have found ways to lift all boats; and
WHEREAS, Michigan voters are a diverse, representative cross section of American voters and Democrats. The Rules and Bylaws Committee has an opportunity to define the primary for cycles to come by putting Michigan – the dynamic, diverse Great Lakes state – at the front of the primary calendar.
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission on this 23rd day of June, 2022 urges the members of the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee to choose Michigan as the newest early Presidential Primary state in 2024; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission encourages Michigan Legislators to support bipartisan legislation that would enable the Presidential Primary date change to occur; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth, and members of the Wayne County delegation in the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate.
Commissioners call for Michigan's presidential primary to be moved up(PDF, 224KB)