Democrats are relying on black voters to deliver Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a second term, with a group backed by the Democratic Governors Association financing a fresh advertising campaign targeting this crucial bloc.
Put Michigan First is running two video and audio spots on digital platforms, part of a seven-figure effort to boost black support for Whitmer’s reelection. The advertisements are positive. They laud the governor’s leadership during the coronavirus pandemic and emphasize that while much of the United States is struggling, at least voters in Michigan have Whitmer to cushion the blow.
“These ads are just the first step in a program focused on communicating and engaging Black Michiganders on the issues impacting lives every day,” Put Michigan First spokesman Sam Newton said in a statement.
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Whitmer is facing Republican Tudor Dixon in the general election.
Dixon, a businesswoman and conservative media personality, won last week’s Republican primary on the strength of her support from Michigan’s GOP establishment — and former President Donald Trump. The governor begins the campaign with more resources than Dixon and 50%-plus job approval ratings.
However, Michigan is a key battleground. With President Joe Biden’s numbers under 40% and a majority of voters saying the country is on the wrong track, this race is expected to be competitive.
That explains why the DGA, through Put Michigan First (a possible play on the Trump slogan “America first”) is focusing on black voters. This cohort tends to be overwhelmingly supportive of Democrats. But if black voters are apathetic in the midterm elections and sit on their hands, Whitmer will have a tougher time securing a second four-year term.
Both ads currently running from Put Michigan First feature black voters explaining why they are supporting Whitmer in 2022.
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“The past couple years have been tough, but Gov. Whitmer never stopped working for us,” says a black voter, identified as Mrs. Murphy, in one of the spots. Added her husband, Mr. Murphy: “Others promised — but she delivered.”
In the second spot, “Chris F.” says, “There isn’t a lot that’s working well in the country these days, but in Michigan, we have a governor that’s been on our side.”
