MI-07 is an open seat and vulnerable. Elissa Slotkin (D) is the current incumbent and is running for MI-SEN. We have a strong Democratic candidate running for this critical seat.
Curtis Hertel Jr. (D) is a seasoned public servant with deep roots in Michigan politics. He served as a State Senator representing Michigan’s 23rd District from 2015 to 2022. Hertel also held the role of Ingham County Register of Deeds before his tenure in the Senate. Currently, he is the Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
During his time in the Michigan Senate, Hertel was instrumental in passing significant bipartisan legislation, including tax cuts for retirees and working families, expansions of workers' rights, and increased investments in advanced manufacturing. He played a key role in repealing Michigan's 1931 abortion ban and worked on legislation to safeguard voting rights and protect democracy. Hertel’s efforts also extended to healthcare, where he supported initiatives to increase access and affordability.
His key issues include:
- Jobs & Economy: Advocates for creating good-paying jobs through investments in advanced manufacturing and infrastructure.
- Voting Rights: Committed to protecting and expanding voting access to ensure every voice is heard in Michigan.
- Reproductive Rights: Strongly supports the right to choose and was pivotal in the repeal of Michigan’s outdated abortion ban.
- Gun Safety: Pushes for common-sense gun laws to reduce violence while respecting Second Amendment rights.
- Climate Change: Focuses on policies that combat climate change and protect Michigan's natural resources.
- Healthcare: Supports expanding access to affordable healthcare for all Michiganders.
The Michigan we grew up in led the world in auto manufacturing, but politicians sold us out and let our jobs get outsourced, and Michigan suffered. We are turning that around and bringing the factories and the jobs that are the future of auto production here – battery plants and next-gen cars. We pulled Democrats and Republicans together to get that done, and it is a generational win for Mid-Michigan
It’s hard to believe that some legislators were arguing against the GM deal that is bringing a critical auto supply chain to mid-Michigan. To me, it was a no-brainer, which is why we worked so hard to get it done.
- Curtis Hertel