Former Vice President Kamala Harris will speak at Detroit’s Huntington Place April 18 to kick off the Michigan Democratic Party convention.
The Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus Legacy Luncheon event happening at 11am features Harris, the former presidential candidate, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ.
The luncheon, now in its 40th year, is the kickoff for the convention that weekend.
“When women vote, Democrats win,” Democratic National Committee Black Caucus chair Virgie Rollins told Michigan Chronicle Monday. “This is an opportunity for us to come together to make sure we take the House and the Senate in Michigan.”
Rollins started the luncheon in 1986 because she didn’t see enough diversity in the party, she said. She is also the emeritus chair of the annual luncheon.
Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman said Rollins was behind Harris’ visit.
Rollins said she called the the vice president and she instantly agreed to come to Detroit.
“I’ve hosted all the Democratic presidents at my house, so it’s not new to me,” Rollins said. “I try to stay behind the scenes, but when I want to do something, I do it,” Rollins said.
Rollins, who hosted U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett at her home earlier this year for a fundraiser for Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist’s campaign for governor, says Michigan Democrats are back in alignment after faltering during the 2024 presidential election due to the war in Gaza.
“We’re paying for it right now, Michigan is suffering because of Trump, we need to make sure Democrats come out and vote,” Rollins said. “That’s why we’re excited to have the vice president and Sen. Cory Booker.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear will be speaking at the Michigan Democratic Party’s legacy dinner, which will celebrate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s tenure as Michigan governor.
Term-limits will end Whitmer’s tenure as governor after serving two four year terms, being elected in 2018 and 2022.
The Michigan Democratic Party at its convention will determine nominees for offices include secretary of state, attorney general, state Supreme Court, state Board of Education, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, Wayne State University Board of Governors and University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Running for Michigan Secretary of State include Whitmer appointee Suzanna Shkreli, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald are running for Michigan Attorney General.
Democrats have controlled both of those offices for the last eight years under Secretary of State Jocleyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini and Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd were selected by MIGOP members last month as Republican candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General.
Tickets are being sold online starting at $75.
Harris previously visited Detroit this year on Feb. 27, for an on stage conversation for her book “107 Days.” During her visit, she stopped at Northwest Detroit restaurant Trap Vegan with Mayor Mary Sheffield.
