The Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, a cornerstone of Detroit’s faith community for over 50 years, announced its support for Elissa Slotkin’s U.S. Senate campaign. This endorsement from an influential body representing more than 100 Black churches across Detroit underscores the momentum Slotkin has garnered among community and faith leaders.
The Council, known for its unwavering commitment to empowering Detroit’s congregations through leadership, support, development, and spiritual education, sees Slotkin as a fitting leader for this critical juncture. “Detroit demands effective representation in Washington, and having seen Elissa Slotkin’s dedication to the city over the last year, we know she is the right leader we need in this hour,” stated Pastor Richard White III, President of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity. “Now more than ever, we need leadership not only qualified but dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone, stabilizing our neighborhoods, and ensuring safer communities for our youth.”
Slotkin’s engagement with Detroit’s faith-based communities has been notable, with over 100 events and meetings in the city. Her Opportunity Agenda, developed through collaboration with neighborhood leaders, community activists, minority entrepreneurs, educational administrators, and faith leaders, highlights her inclusive approach to governance. This agenda outlines her priorities for Detroit and Michigan, focusing on economic opportunities, neighborhood stabilization, and community safety.
“I am so grateful for this support from the Council of Baptist Pastors,” Slotkin expressed. “When I launched my campaign, the first place I started was Detroit, and I’ve held over 100 events and meetings there since – because I know it’s on me to show up, introduce myself, listen, and keep coming back. I’m particularly honored to have the Council’s endorsement after the substantive, meaningful conversations we’ve had about the challenges facing Detroit. From the very beginning, I have benefitted from their input, feedback, and help in crafting the Opportunity Agenda.”
This endorsement comes as Slotkin’s campaign continues to build momentum. Recently, she hosted her second Opportunity Agenda event in Flint, focusing on eliminating barriers to economic opportunities in Michigan’s urban communities. Her campaign has secured endorsements from over 40 community leaders and elected officials in Detroit and more than 200 across Michigan. Prominent Detroit-based leaders supporting Slotkin include former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, Michigan Black Business Alliance President Charity Dean, Detroit City Council Member Fred Durhal III, and Detroit District 7 Police Commissioner Ricardo Moore.
Nationally, Slotkin has received backing from various organizations, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, EMILY’s List, Reproductive Freedom for All, and the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund. U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens, Hillary Scholten, Dan Kildee, and Jamie Raskin have also endorsed her campaign.
In contrast, Hill Harper, another Democratic contender for the Senate seat, recently received the endorsement of the Michigan/Canadian Council of Bishops and the American Postal Workers Union Detroit District Area Local 295. The union, which represents 1,500 postal workers in Southeast Michigan, supports Harper for his commitment to worker rights, public service access, and fair working conditions. Keith M. Combs Sr., President of the APWU DDAL 295, emphasized the need for a leader who prioritizes children over weapons, champions women’s rights, and motivates and mentors youth. Harper, a former actor and author, has been running an intense grassroots campaign, aiming to build deeper connections within Michigan’s communities.
However, despite his efforts, a recent survey by the Michigan Information & Research Service (MIRS) places Slotkin significantly ahead in the Democratic primary polls, commanding 57% of the vote compared to Harper’s 11%. Harper’s campaign faces the challenge of building recognition and support within Detroit, a city where many voters feel they are only now starting to get to know him.
“Nobody really knows him here,” an undecided voter from Detroit’s west side remarked about Harper. “You see him on TV, but he hasn’t really done much in the city. I didn’t even know he lived here till he started campaigning. He just kinda popped up. So people are just starting to get to know him, and that can take some time.”
As the U.S. Senate race continues to heat up, the endorsement from the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity is a significant development, highlighting the growing support for Elissa Slotkin among Detroit’s community and faith leaders. This endorsement, alongside the array of support she has garnered from both local and national figures, positions her as a formidable candidate in the race to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate.
As both Slotkin and Harper continue their campaigns, the support and trust of Detroit’s faith-based communities will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this pivotal Senate race.
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