Capitol News

In the race for Southfield city clerk, Gabi Grossbard is running as a candidate whose past actions and affiliations have raised concerns among local Democrats. Grossbard has previously promoted claims about Michigan’s election process and was involved in a lawsuit that aimed to overturn more than one million votes cast in the state during the 2020 presidential election.

Reports indicate that social media posts by Grossbard and comments from his wife suggest he may have been present in Washington, D.C., during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. According to The Independent, “Facebook statuses posted by Grossbard and comments made by his wife Milaine and others strongly imply that the candidate himself was in Washington, D.C. during the attack on the Capitol, where dozens of police officers were injured as they clashed for hours with violent rioters. Several responding officers died after the attack.”

On January 6, 2021, Grossbard wrote on Facebook: “Im [sic] ok. Driving back to Detroit,” following up after events at the Capitol had concluded. His wife also posted: “So proud of my husband Gabi Grossbard,” while another user commented: “We are behind you Gabi! Thank you for going! You are there for all of us!” Another comment read: “Stay safe, please!” which Grossbard liked but did not reply to.

Democratic leaders in Michigan have expressed concern about what they describe as efforts to influence local elections through candidates aligned with former President Donald Trump’s movement. Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, called Grossbard an “extremist conspiracy theorist.” Efforts are underway within the party to support Wynett Guy’s write-in campaign against Grossbard.

The outcome of this race is seen by some as having potential implications beyond Southfield, possibly affecting future elections at both state and national levels.

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