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.
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 Commissioners
Michigan House of Representatives
Wayne County Sheriff
Raphael “Ray” Washington
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Raphael “Ray” Washington for Wayne County Sheriff. Since being appointed to the position in 2021 and his election to the role in 2022, Washington has successfully overseen runs three jail facilities, Road Patrol, a Marine Unit, a Mounted Unit, and has supplemented law enforcement activities in collaboration with the 43 cities and townships in his jurisdiction (which covers 673 square miles). With a proven track record of reducing crime and enhancing community relations, Washington has demonstrated the leadership and dedication necessary to continue serving the residents of Wayne County effectively.
Sheriff Washington has implemented several innovative strategies that have significantly reduced crime rates across the county. His commitment to modernizing law enforcement practices has included increasing the use of data-driven policing, which has allowed the department to allocate resources more efficiently and target high-crime areas effectively. This approach has not only resulted in a decrease in violent crime but has also improved the overall safety and well-being of our communities.
One of the hallmarks of Washington’s tenure has been his emphasis on community policing. Recognizing that trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community are essential for effective policing, Washington has worked tirelessly to build and maintain strong relationships with residents. Through regular town hall meetings, community outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations, he has fostered an environment where citizens feel heard and respected. This proactive engagement has been instrumental in creating a safer and more cohesive community.
Sheriff Washington has also been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform. Under his leadership, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has implemented initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism and providing support for individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system. Programs focused on education, job training, and mental health services have been pivotal in helping former offenders reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.
Furthermore, Washington’s dedication to transparency and accountability within the sheriff’s office has set a new standard for law enforcement in Wayne County. He has implemented comprehensive training programs on de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, and cultural competency for all officers. These initiatives have not only improved the effectiveness of the department but have also built greater trust within the community.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Washington’s personal commitment to Wayne County is evident in his deep roots in the community. He has consistently shown his dedication to making Wayne County a better place for all residents, and his leadership has been marked by integrity, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
The Michigan Chronicle believes that Raphael “Ray” Washington, with his four decades of law enforcement experience in Detroit and Wayne County, is the right choice to continue as Wayne County Sheriff. His innovative approach to crime reduction, commitment to community engagement, and advocacy for criminal justice reform make him an exemplary leader. We urge Wayne County residents to support Sheriff Washington in the upcoming election, ensuring that our community continues to benefit from his experience, vision, and unwavering dedication.
Wayne County Prosecutor
Kym Worthy
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Kym Worthy for Wayne County Prosecutor. Worthy’s extensive experience, commitment to justice, and tireless advocacy for the people of Wayne County make her the ideal candidate to continue leading the Prosecutor’s Office.
Worthy has served as Wayne County Prosecutor since 2004, and her tenure has been marked by numerous achievements and a steadfast dedication to justice. She has tackled some of the most challenging and high-profile cases in the county, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
One of Worthy’s most notable accomplishments is her relentless pursuit of justice for victims of sexual assault. She brought national attention to the backlog of untested rape kits in Detroit, leading a comprehensive effort to address this critical issue. Her work has resulted in thousands of kits being tested, numerous convictions, and the implementation of new protocols to prevent future backlogs. Worthy’s dedication to this cause has provided a voice for countless victims and brought long-overdue justice to many.
Worthy’s innovative approach to criminal justice reform has also been a hallmark of her tenure. She has championed programs aimed at reducing recidivism, promoting rehabilitation, and addressing the root causes of crime. Her initiatives have included diversion programs for non-violent offenders, mental health courts, and efforts to improve reentry services for those returning to the community after incarceration.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Worthy has been a steadfast advocate for transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system. She has worked tirelessly to build trust between law enforcement and the community, recognizing that true justice can only be achieved when the system is fair, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves.
The Michigan Chronicle believes that Kym Worthy’s experience, dedication, and proven track record make her the best choice for Wayne County Prosecutor. We urge voters to support her in the upcoming election, ensuring that Wayne County continues to benefit from her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.
Wayne County Clerk
Cathy M. Garrett
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Cathy Garrett for Wayne County Clerk. With a distinguished career marked by integrity, efficiency, and a commitment to public service, Garrett has proven herself as the ideal candidate to continue serving the residents of Wayne County.
Cathy Garrett has held the office of Wayne County Clerk since 2001, and her tenure has been characterized by her unwavering dedication to improving the services provided to the community. She has consistently worked to modernize the Clerk’s Office, implementing innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance accessibility for all county residents.
One of Garrett’s most significant achievements has been her commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections. Under her leadership, the Wayne County Clerk’s Office has implemented state-of-the-art voting technology and rigorous security measures to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Her dedication to voter education and outreach has ensured that all residents have the information and resources they need to exercise their right to vote.
Garrett’s focus on customer service is another hallmark of her tenure. She has worked tirelessly to make the Clerk’s Office more user-friendly, reducing wait times and improving the overall experience for residents seeking vital records, business registrations, and other essential services. Her efforts have made the office more efficient and responsive to the needs of the community.
Moreover, Garrett’s commitment to transparency and accountability has set a high standard for public service in Wayne County. She has consistently advocated for open government and has implemented numerous initiatives to ensure that the Clerk’s Office operates with the highest level of integrity and transparency.
The Michigan Chronicle believes that Cathy Garrett’s experience, dedication, and proven track record make her the best choice for Wayne County Clerk. Her leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the services provided by the Clerk’s Office and ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of all residents. We urge voters to support Cathy Garrett in the upcoming election, ensuring that Wayne County continues to benefit from her exceptional stewardship and unwavering commitment to public service.
Wayne County Treasurer
Eric Sabree
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Eric Sabree for re-election as Wayne County Treasurer, recognizing his commitment to responsible fiscal management, transparency, and compassionate leadership. Since taking office, Sabree has worked tirelessly to modernize the Treasurer’s office, improve services, and address the needs of Wayne County residents, particularly in preventing property tax foreclosures and promoting financial literacy.
Sabree’s proactive approach to foreclosure prevention has been critical in helping families stay in their homes. Through programs like the Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement (IRSPA) and the Wayne County Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP), he has provided residents with opportunities to catch up on back taxes and avoid foreclosure, demonstrating his dedication to protecting homeowners and stabilizing neighborhoods.
Under his leadership, the Treasurer’s office has also focused on increased efficiency and accessibility, offering online payment options, outreach initiatives, and financial education resources to empower residents to take control of their financial futures. His focus on equity and fairness ensures that all Wayne County residents have access to the tools they need to maintain their property and avoid the devastating impacts of foreclosure.
Eric Sabree’s proven leadership, dedication to financial empowerment, and commitment to the well-being of Wayne County residents make him the right choice for Treasurer. The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses his re-election.
Wayne County Register of Deeds
Bernard Youngblood
The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Bernard Youngblood for re-election as Wayne County Register of Deeds. With over two decades of experience in the role, Youngblood has been a dedicated and effective leader, ensuring that Wayne County’s property records are managed efficiently and transparently. His commitment to protecting the interests of homeowners and property owners across the county has been steadfast, making him the right choice to continue serving in this vital position.
Under Youngblood’s leadership, the Register of Deeds office has modernized its systems, making property records more accessible and user-friendly for residents. He has also been a tireless advocate against property fraud, launching initiatives like the Fraud Alert System, which helps protect homeowners from illegal deeds and fraudulent activity. His dedication to safeguarding property rights, especially for vulnerable populations, reflects his commitment to equity and justice.
As a proven leader with a deep understanding of Wayne County’s real estate landscape, Youngblood has worked to ensure that the Register of Deeds office runs with integrity, efficiency, and fairness. His long-standing service and innovative approach to protecting homeowners make him the ideal candidate to continue in this role. The Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Bernard Youngblood for re-election, confident in his continued dedication to the residents of Wayne County.
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