'Michigan Dems Struggle to Maintain Focus on Abortion: "A False Sense of Comfort"'
Democrats’ battle in Michigan is challenging the effectiveness and durability of their national narrative that Republicans will eliminate access to abortion nationwide if they gain power.
TroibNews 
MADISON HEIGHTS, Michigan — In the 2022 elections, Democrats experienced a significant victory in Michigan by focusing on abortion rights, achieving control over all branches of government in Lansing for the first time in nearly 40 years. This led to Michigan becoming the first state to override a ban on the procedure following the fall of Roe v. Wade.
However, despite emphasizing this issue even more in the current election cycle, Democrats find themselves virtually tied in federal races that could impact the presidency and control of Congress. This situation raises concerns that abortion has faded from the forefront of many voters' minds since Michiganders implemented the ballot initiative two years ago.
“There’s a false sense of comfort that somehow we're okay because it's in the Michigan Constitution,” said outgoing Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow in a recent conversation with PMG after participating in an abortion-rights rally alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in suburban Detroit. She added, “The minute we explain the stakes, [voters are] furious that we did all this work and that it could be ripped away. But it does take a little bit of extra effort to make sure that people understand.”
The fight for Michigan is a critical test of Democrats’ ability to sustain their message that Republicans threaten to eliminate access to abortion across the board, even in states with protective measures. In response, Republicans are attempting to downplay these claims by suggesting that abortion is not a pressing issue due to Michigan's ballot initiative and by campaigning on topics that resonate more with voters, such as immigration and inflation.
“In 2022, we lost the top of the ticket in Michigan by 11 points, and it was strongly driven by views on the abortion issue,” Michigan Republican Party Chair Pete Hoekstra remarked to PMG. He continued, “Now, being in a neck-and-neck race, it's clear that the abortion issue is not resonating the way that Democrats would hope it would.”
Even so, abortion remains a significant motivator for Democratic voter support nationwide, particularly among younger women. The party’s prioritization of the issue helped secure victories in multiple races in 2022 and 2023. Michigan has been a leader in the movement to enshrine abortion protections, having started efforts before Roe was overturned, which contributed to the success of key Democratic figures such as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
To maintain voter engagement on the abortion issue, Democrats are hosting events featuring celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Adam Scott, as well as prominent lawmakers such as Senators Cory Booker and Laphonza Butler. They emphasize two main points: first, that abortion access in Michigan remains precarious and could be jeopardized if former President Donald Trump and other Republicans gain traction in the upcoming elections; and second, that even if state protections are secure, Michiganders should advocate for the many women in states with strict abortion bans.
“As a Black woman in this country, when I see the government coming for my body and telling me what I can or cannot do for my body, I know that it's a slippery slope,” actress Kerry Washington stated during a rally in Madison Heights, elaborating, “When I tell you, ‘We are not going back,’ that is the nightmare I am talking about.”
Recent polling data from KFF indicates potential trouble for Democrats: a majority of women voters in Michigan view abortion rights as “decided” rather than still being contested. Additionally, abortion ranked as the fourth most important issue for Michigan women, trailing topics like inflation, threats to democracy, and immigration.
This trend serves as a cautionary tale for Democrats in other states that have enacted or are about to enact abortion referendums. They are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain voter enthusiasm and outrage once protections are secured, reflecting complaints from anti-abortion activists who have also observed a decline in engagement after the abolition of Roe.
Stabenow expressed particular concern regarding college students who first engaged in politics by supporting the abortion-rights initiative in 2022, suggesting they may believe their work is complete.
The Democratic campaign faces various obstacles in this crucial swing state. The pro-Palestinian "Uncommitted" movement attracted substantial support from Michigan voters in the Democratic primary but opted not to endorse Harris, although it urged its members not to support Trump or any third-party candidates. Similarly, the Teamsters union refrained from endorsing any candidate after finding substantial support for Trump among its members, although several local chapters have supported Harris.
“We are still in a margin-of-error race,” emphasized Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon during a televised event with Winfrey in Farmington Hills. “It’s tied. It’s tied right here in Michigan.”
Democrats are also spotlighting abortion rights as they work to retain control of the narrowly divided legislature. State Rep. Jennifer Conlin remarked that the issue initially dominated the focus when she won her seat in 2022 due to the ballot initiative. However, she acknowledged a shift in voter priorities as she heads into her reelection campaign.
“They're not bringing it up, so I’m bringing it up,” she noted. “I'm having to say to people: ‘Are you concerned about a national ban? Do you realize that if we don't maintain the state legislature and supreme court, a Republican majority will actually go in and try to undo what Prop. 3, even though it was voted for?' It's a drum we have to really keep beating.”
In the weeks leading up to the election, candidates in tight races are emphasizing their opponents' anti-abortion sentiments through various campaign materials.
Last week, Rep. Elissa Slotkin urged a crowd in Royal Oak to remain cautious about Republicans who claim the safety of abortion rights in Michigan. “Please, I'm begging you,” Slotkin implored. “When they want your vote, they'll say anything. But people tell you who they are through their backgrounds and their history, so do not be snookered, do not be bamboozled.”
House candidate Curtis Hertel expressed gratitude to campaign volunteers in Livingston County for their commitment to “protecting abortion rights around this country.”
The Harris campaign recently hosted a national reproductive freedom bus tour, which included a stop in Oakland County featuring members of the television show “Scandal.” The attendees, which included diverse groups from young couples to older women, rallied with signs advocating for abortion rights as actor Tony Goldwyn encouraged the men to take an active stance.
“Fellas, let's use our voice to defend our sisters and defend our daughters and defend our mothers and defend our wives and all of our American women in this country,” he stated, cautioning against falling for Republican attempts to dilute their past support for abortion restrictions.
Additionally, in recent stops in Flint and Ann Arbor, the Harris campaign reiterated the importance of maintaining abortion protections, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist highlighting the potential threats posed by the upcoming election.
Republicans are actively working to counter Democrats’ claims about the precarious nature of abortion rights in Michigan, yet some on the right admit the issue is proving somewhat effective.
“Their constant harping about it has made it an issue,” observed Michigan GOP strategist Jason Cabel Roe, advising House GOP candidate Tom Barrett. “I’ve seen growth in polling showing it as a priority. Earlier in the year it didn’t really register and now it is.”
GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers recently spent significantly on an ad asserting that "Michigan voters have already decided the issue" of abortion rights. He assured, “In the Senate, I won't do anything to change it," in a brief advertisement. Paul Hudson, running against Rep. Hillary Scholten, also echoed similar sentiments about respecting the voters’ amendment of the state constitution regarding abortion. Meanwhile, Barrett dismissed the idea of a national ban that would override Michigan's abortion protections.
The anti-abortion group Michigan Right to Life is also investing considerable resources to convey the message that abortion rights are secure in the state. “There is zero chance that a national ban on abortion will be passed or signed into law,” stated the group’s president, Amber Roseboom. “It's a fantasy designed to turn out the Democrats’ base.”
In light of these challenges, Republicans believe redirecting the conversation to other issues will serve them best. Rogers, who trails Slotkin in polls, has focused on town halls and events centered on issues like immigration, crime, and living costs, avoiding discussions around abortion entirely.
“When we get baited into litigating abortion, we lose,” Roe explained. “Why would we spend any time talking about the issue they want us to talk about?”
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
However, despite emphasizing this issue even more in the current election cycle, Democrats find themselves virtually tied in federal races that could impact the presidency and control of Congress. This situation raises concerns that abortion has faded from the forefront of many voters' minds since Michiganders implemented the ballot initiative two years ago.
“There’s a false sense of comfort that somehow we're okay because it's in the Michigan Constitution,” said outgoing Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow in a recent conversation with PMG after participating in an abortion-rights rally alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in suburban Detroit. She added, “The minute we explain the stakes, [voters are] furious that we did all this work and that it could be ripped away. But it does take a little bit of extra effort to make sure that people understand.”
The fight for Michigan is a critical test of Democrats’ ability to sustain their message that Republicans threaten to eliminate access to abortion across the board, even in states with protective measures. In response, Republicans are attempting to downplay these claims by suggesting that abortion is not a pressing issue due to Michigan's ballot initiative and by campaigning on topics that resonate more with voters, such as immigration and inflation.
“In 2022, we lost the top of the ticket in Michigan by 11 points, and it was strongly driven by views on the abortion issue,” Michigan Republican Party Chair Pete Hoekstra remarked to PMG. He continued, “Now, being in a neck-and-neck race, it's clear that the abortion issue is not resonating the way that Democrats would hope it would.”
Even so, abortion remains a significant motivator for Democratic voter support nationwide, particularly among younger women. The party’s prioritization of the issue helped secure victories in multiple races in 2022 and 2023. Michigan has been a leader in the movement to enshrine abortion protections, having started efforts before Roe was overturned, which contributed to the success of key Democratic figures such as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
To maintain voter engagement on the abortion issue, Democrats are hosting events featuring celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Adam Scott, as well as prominent lawmakers such as Senators Cory Booker and Laphonza Butler. They emphasize two main points: first, that abortion access in Michigan remains precarious and could be jeopardized if former President Donald Trump and other Republicans gain traction in the upcoming elections; and second, that even if state protections are secure, Michiganders should advocate for the many women in states with strict abortion bans.
“As a Black woman in this country, when I see the government coming for my body and telling me what I can or cannot do for my body, I know that it's a slippery slope,” actress Kerry Washington stated during a rally in Madison Heights, elaborating, “When I tell you, ‘We are not going back,’ that is the nightmare I am talking about.”
Recent polling data from KFF indicates potential trouble for Democrats: a majority of women voters in Michigan view abortion rights as “decided” rather than still being contested. Additionally, abortion ranked as the fourth most important issue for Michigan women, trailing topics like inflation, threats to democracy, and immigration.
This trend serves as a cautionary tale for Democrats in other states that have enacted or are about to enact abortion referendums. They are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain voter enthusiasm and outrage once protections are secured, reflecting complaints from anti-abortion activists who have also observed a decline in engagement after the abolition of Roe.
Stabenow expressed particular concern regarding college students who first engaged in politics by supporting the abortion-rights initiative in 2022, suggesting they may believe their work is complete.
The Democratic campaign faces various obstacles in this crucial swing state. The pro-Palestinian "Uncommitted" movement attracted substantial support from Michigan voters in the Democratic primary but opted not to endorse Harris, although it urged its members not to support Trump or any third-party candidates. Similarly, the Teamsters union refrained from endorsing any candidate after finding substantial support for Trump among its members, although several local chapters have supported Harris.
“We are still in a margin-of-error race,” emphasized Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon during a televised event with Winfrey in Farmington Hills. “It’s tied. It’s tied right here in Michigan.”
Democrats are also spotlighting abortion rights as they work to retain control of the narrowly divided legislature. State Rep. Jennifer Conlin remarked that the issue initially dominated the focus when she won her seat in 2022 due to the ballot initiative. However, she acknowledged a shift in voter priorities as she heads into her reelection campaign.
“They're not bringing it up, so I’m bringing it up,” she noted. “I'm having to say to people: ‘Are you concerned about a national ban? Do you realize that if we don't maintain the state legislature and supreme court, a Republican majority will actually go in and try to undo what Prop. 3, even though it was voted for?' It's a drum we have to really keep beating.”
In the weeks leading up to the election, candidates in tight races are emphasizing their opponents' anti-abortion sentiments through various campaign materials.
Last week, Rep. Elissa Slotkin urged a crowd in Royal Oak to remain cautious about Republicans who claim the safety of abortion rights in Michigan. “Please, I'm begging you,” Slotkin implored. “When they want your vote, they'll say anything. But people tell you who they are through their backgrounds and their history, so do not be snookered, do not be bamboozled.”
House candidate Curtis Hertel expressed gratitude to campaign volunteers in Livingston County for their commitment to “protecting abortion rights around this country.”
The Harris campaign recently hosted a national reproductive freedom bus tour, which included a stop in Oakland County featuring members of the television show “Scandal.” The attendees, which included diverse groups from young couples to older women, rallied with signs advocating for abortion rights as actor Tony Goldwyn encouraged the men to take an active stance.
“Fellas, let's use our voice to defend our sisters and defend our daughters and defend our mothers and defend our wives and all of our American women in this country,” he stated, cautioning against falling for Republican attempts to dilute their past support for abortion restrictions.
Additionally, in recent stops in Flint and Ann Arbor, the Harris campaign reiterated the importance of maintaining abortion protections, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist highlighting the potential threats posed by the upcoming election.
Republicans are actively working to counter Democrats’ claims about the precarious nature of abortion rights in Michigan, yet some on the right admit the issue is proving somewhat effective.
“Their constant harping about it has made it an issue,” observed Michigan GOP strategist Jason Cabel Roe, advising House GOP candidate Tom Barrett. “I’ve seen growth in polling showing it as a priority. Earlier in the year it didn’t really register and now it is.”
GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers recently spent significantly on an ad asserting that "Michigan voters have already decided the issue" of abortion rights. He assured, “In the Senate, I won't do anything to change it," in a brief advertisement. Paul Hudson, running against Rep. Hillary Scholten, also echoed similar sentiments about respecting the voters’ amendment of the state constitution regarding abortion. Meanwhile, Barrett dismissed the idea of a national ban that would override Michigan's abortion protections.
The anti-abortion group Michigan Right to Life is also investing considerable resources to convey the message that abortion rights are secure in the state. “There is zero chance that a national ban on abortion will be passed or signed into law,” stated the group’s president, Amber Roseboom. “It's a fantasy designed to turn out the Democrats’ base.”
In light of these challenges, Republicans believe redirecting the conversation to other issues will serve them best. Rogers, who trails Slotkin in polls, has focused on town halls and events centered on issues like immigration, crime, and living costs, avoiding discussions around abortion entirely.
“When we get baited into litigating abortion, we lose,” Roe explained. “Why would we spend any time talking about the issue they want us to talk about?”
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
