The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC) took swift action in this primary cycle, announcing primary endorsements in June. The Chamber PAC was successful with endorsements this primary season, seeing victories across the board in tough races.
“The Chamber PAC’s proven methods of personal interviews and industry-leading research continue to represent Michigan businesses in Lansing and Washington DC,” said Brad Williams, vice president of Government Relations at the Chamber.
2022 MICHIGAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES
Tudor Dixon will advance to the general election as the Republican candidate for the state’s highest office. Dixon will face Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November.
Chamber Perspective: The Chamber PAC hosted the first debate that invited the new field of Republican candidates at the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference. The PAC will be hosting a formal interview with both Gov. Whitmer and Dixon prior to making an endorsement. The Chamber will be focused on issues that matter to business, including Michigan’s talent crisis, leading in next-generation mobility, strong infrastructure development and improvements, and trustworthy government.
CONGRESSIONAL RACES
Congressman Peter Meijer falls behind in tight race for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional district.
Chamber Perspective: Congressman Meijer served Michigan exceedingly well and the Chamber thanks him for his continued service to the country.
“Congressman Meijer broke down party barriers and was able to serve Michiganders’ best interests,” said Williams, “Taking bold votes on Chamber priorities including the NDAA, the Global Respect Act, and the CHIPS Act.”
Congresswoman Haley Stevens advances to the November general election with a primary win in the newly drawn 11th Congressional district.
Chamber Perspective: When the Chamber PAC endorsed Congresswoman Stevens, a strong representative for business, for her primary race, Williams said “Stevens’ commitment to Michigan’s manufacturing industry and insight into business issues on a national and local level earned her an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2020 and make her the best candidate in the Democratic primary for the 11th District.”
In a crowded 13th Congressional district race, state Rep. Shri Thanedar moves forward to the general election.
Chamber Perspective: “Rep. Thanedar’s experiences as an immigrant and an entrepreneur provide a platform for collaborations with the business community on issues that will drive talent to our region and help small businesses thrive,” said Williams.
MICHIGAN’S LEGISLATURE
More than 90% of the Chamber PAC’s bipartisan endorsements for Michigan legislative seats were successful in the Aug. 2 primary election.
Chamber Perspective: For Michigan House and Senate races, every single candidate was running in districts never seen before. With a consistent stream of new political developments, the Chamber PAC and Government Relations team developed a deep understanding of the Michigan electorate.
“Voters are showing up to the polls with concerns that are ever-changing,” said Williams, “From inflation and rising prices to reproductive rights, both parties saw voters coming to the polls with kitchen table issues on their minds.”
The Chamber looks forward to working with the candidates advancing to the general election and thanks those incumbents that are not eligible for the November ballot. Learn more about the Chamber PAC and its endorsement process at detroitchamber.com/advocacy/political-action-committee.