Michigan’s 8.4 million voters – including the 1.5 million Wayne County voters – are gearing up for the Nov. 5, 2024, statewide general elections. Detroit, specifically, will play a huge role in the election of the next president of the United States, the state’s next U.S. Senator, and other key congressional seats up for a vote as well. The Michigan Chronicle’s editorial board has interviewed and researched several of the candidates who will appear on the ballot, and we’ve made our endorsements below for Michigan’s State Legislature.
See Michigan Chronicle’s Other 2024 Endorsements:
POTUS, Michigan Senate, Oakland County Executive, Michigan Supreme Court
State School Board, DPS Board, MSU Trustees, U-M Regents, WSU Board of Governors
Wayne County: Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds
Wayne County Commissioners
1st District Representative in State Legislature
Tyrone Carter
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Tyrone Carter as the 1st District candidate for Detroit’s representative in the state legislature. With several years of experience as an elected official, Carter has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service and community empowerment.
Throughout his tenure, Carter has achieved numerous successes, including securing funding for community development projects, advocating for education reform, and championing policies to support small businesses and job creation. His leadership and expertise have earned him the respect and trust of our community, but moreover, his leadership is evident by his two-year appointment as House Minority Assistant Leader.
We are confident that Tyrone Carter will continue to be a strong voice for Detroit in the state legislature. His experience, knowledge, and passion for public service make him the ideal candidate to represent the 1st District. We urge our readers to support Carter in the upcoming election, knowing that he will continue to fight for the needs and interests of our community.
4th District Representative in State Legislature
Karen Whitsett
The Michigan Chronicle wholeheartedly endorses Karen Whitsett as the 4th District candidate for Detroit’s representative in the state legislature. Representative Whitsett (running for her fourth term) has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving the needs of Detroiters, and her accomplishments in office are a testament to her dedication.
One of her top priorities is addressing the skilled trades gap and creating new pathways for career transitions and retraining. This critical issue affects countless Detroit residents, and Whitsett’s leadership has brought much-needed attention and action to the forefront. Her efforts have already led to increased funding for vocational training programs and apprenticeships, providing opportunities for Detroiters to access in-demand jobs, and she will continue those efforts, serving on committees for Economic Development and Small Business, Energy, Communications and Technology, Health Policy (Majority Vice-Chair), and Tax Policy in the House.
We urge our readers to support Karen Whitsett in the upcoming election. Her proven track record, expertise, and passion for serving our community make her the ideal candidate to represent the 4th District.
5th District Representative in State Legislature
Regina Weiss
The Michigan Chronicle endorses Regina Weiss as the 5th District candidate for representation in the state legislature. Weiss’s service as a former Oak Park City Council member and a former Detroit Public Schools teacher has led to her amazing advocacy for equitable education funding, reinvesting in local communities, and further protections for the environment.
We urge our readers to support Regina Weiss in the upcoming election. Her resume of expertise and advocacy, and her passion for serving the district’s residents make her the ideal candidate to represent the 5th District.
8th District Representative in State Legislature
Helena Scott
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Helena Scott as the 8th District candidate for Detroit’s representative in the state legislature. Representative Scott has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for Detroiters, leveraging her extensive experience in community development, education, and public policy to drive meaningful change.
Scott, who currently serves as Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee, also serves on the Education Committee and the Financial Services Committee, where she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and collaborate effectively in the legislature and showcased her commitment to addressing the complex needs of our community.
Scott’s expertise and passion for public service make her the ideal candidate to represent the 8th District. She has regularly and passionately championed policies supporting education, workforce development, and social justice. We urge our readers to support Helena Scott in the upcoming election, confident that she will continue to be a strong voice for Detroit in the state legislature.
9th District Representative in State Legislature
Joe Tate
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Joe Tate as the 9th District candidate for Detroit’s representative in the state legislature. Tate’s business acumen and his commitment to public service, community development, and social justice makes him the ideal candidate to represent the needs of Detroiters in Lansing.
As a seasoned leader and advocate and Michigan’s first Black Speaker of the House, Tate has demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues facing our community, from education and economic empowerment to healthcare and criminal justice reform. His collaborative approach and ability to build coalitions will serve him well in the legislature.
We are confident that Joe Tate will be a champion for Detroit’s values and interests in Lansing. He has earned the trust and respect of our community, and we urge our readers to support him in the upcoming election.
10th District Representative in State Legislature
Carl Marlinga
The Michigan Chronicle endorses Carl Marlinga for the 10th Congressional District. A respected retired judge and former Macomb County prosecutor for more than 20 years, Marlinga has a proven track record of leadership and service that makes him the ideal candidate to represent our community. In 2022, Marlinga narrowly lost to Republican John James by just 1,600 votes—half a percentage point—largely due to the national Democratic Party mistakenly writing off this race as a Republican stronghold.
This year, Marlinga returns with renewed determination, and Democrats are optimistic about reclaiming this critical seat. As Republicans fight to maintain their slender majority in the U.S. House, Marlinga’s pragmatic and compassionate approach is exactly what our district needs.
Marlinga’s priorities are clear and impactful. He emphasizes the importance of clean drinking water and environmental protections, particularly for our cherished lakes. His advocacy for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights showcase his commitment to equality and justice for all. Additionally, he proposes universal daycare, subsidized home repair loans—because “a neighborhood gets better one home at a time”—and a focus on strengthening America’s manufacturing sector.
With strong relationships across all levels of government and a thoughtful, realistic approach to policy, Carl Marlinga is ready to lead Michigan’s 10th District into a brighter future. We proudly support his candidacy.
11th District Representative in State Legislature
Donavan McKinney
As a dedicated community leader and advocate, Donavan McKinney has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing the systemic barriers facing our community, and it’s been evident in his first 18 months in office. His vision for a more equitable and just Detroit aligns with our values, and we are confident he will be a champion for our city’s interests in the legislature. He’s a Detroit native, and a young, energetic fighter who holds a degree in public policy from the University of Michigan.
We urge our readers to support Donavan McKinney by re-electing him to the State Legislature in the upcoming election. His leadership, expertise, and collaborative approach make him the perfect candidate to represent the 11th District. Together, we can ensure that Detroit has a strong voice in the state legislature.
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