Capitol News

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel has called on Michigan Republican leaders, including Mike Rogers and John James, to publicly denounce antisemitic and racist messages linked to the Michigan Young Republicans. The messages, which were obtained and published by Politico and reported on by the Detroit Metro Times, included support for Hitler and contained language targeting Black Americans, as well as references to gas chambers, slavery, and rape.

While some Republican leaders in other states have condemned the messages, Michigan’s GOP leadership and the two Republican candidates have not made public statements addressing the issue.

“These messages are absolutely reprehensible and have no place in Michigan or anywhere else. The fact that Michigan Young Republicans are linked to this report makes the silence from Michigan’s Republican leadership even more alarming. Every single leader has a moral obligation to condemn all forms of antisemitism, racism, and hatred – no exceptions and no qualifications," Hertel said.

“I’m calling on the Michigan Republican Party, Mike Rogers, John James, and every Republican leader in this state to join us in condemning these hateful messages. This is a moment for all of us to show that hatred has no home in Michigan, regardless of political party,” Hertel added.