The playbook for Democrats in Michigan has remained consistent over the years, emphasizing the need to secure significant margins in Detroit, the state's largest city, where President Biden garnered 94 percent of the vote in 2020. However, as Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for a campaign stop in Detroit, concerns have emerged among local Democratic officials regarding the effectiveness of her outreach efforts.
In interviews with ten current and former elected Democrats from Detroit, several expressed that Harris's campaign has lacked urgency, failed to produce sufficient yard signs, and not adequately mobilized local officials to support her in their communities. Additionally, many officials noted that Republicans appear to be making greater efforts to engage Detroit voters compared to previous election cycles, with former President Donald Trump’s campaign distributing mailers and making frequent visits to the city.
State Representative Stephanie A. Young noted a change in the political climate, mentioning a Trump yard sign she spotted near her home for the first time. She also highlighted a disparity in campaign outreach, stating she received numerous pro-Trump mailings while not hearing from the Harris campaign. Young expressed concern that Democratic leadership was overlooking these developments.
Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a member of the Detroit School Board, echoed similar worries about the Harris campaign's presence in the city. She emphasized the need for urgent improvements in the ground game, citing a shortage of campaign materials and a lack of engagement from trusted local leaders to mobilize voters. Gay-Dagnogo stressed the importance of addressing gaps in outreach to ensure voter turnout.
In response to these concerns, Harris campaign officials highlighted their efforts, citing frequent events in Detroit, additional candidate visits, and engagement with community groups. They attributed the shortage of yard signs to high voter enthusiasm, claiming to have distributed over 90,000 signs statewide.
While some Detroit Democrats expressed satisfaction with the campaign's activities, others remained critical. Joe Tate, the Democratic speaker of the Michigan House, acknowledged the campaign's efforts and noted a positive reception from voters. Yet, concerns about voter apathy and the need to address local issues persist among officials such as Mary Waters, a Detroit City Council member.
The vice president's campaign has conducted events specifically targeting Black voters in Detroit, including an upcoming stop by Harris. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II stated that the campaign is receptive to feedback and is making efforts to enhance its outreach.
Despite some criticisms, others, such as Alexis Wiley, a former Democratic National Committee member, acknowledged the campaign's hard work while recognizing the challenges posed by pro-Trump advertisements. The need for improved voter turnout remains a central concern for many local leaders.
Detroit has faced significant population decline over recent decades, largely due to economic challenges, but recent years have seen stabilization and growth. As the election approaches, both major candidates are focusing attention on Detroit, with Harris’s upcoming visit marking her fifth stop in the area since Biden's candidacy began.
Trump's campaign has also been active in Detroit, and his remarks during a recent visit raised eyebrows among residents. Former Detroit mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick suggested that even a small increase in support for Trump among Detroit voters could be pivotal for his campaign in Michigan.
As the election nears, the dynamics in Detroit are crucial, with both parties vying for the important Black voter demographic that has historically favored Democrats.