Michigan Democrats Vow to Defend Against Potential Federal Election Interference

State party chair condemns Trump's calls for federal involvement in state elections as 'an attack on our democracy'

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Michigan Democrats are preparing to defend against potential federal interference in the state's 2026 elections, according to the state party chair. Curtis Hertel Jr. condemned recent comments by former President Donald Trump accusing states of 'crooked elections' and calling for a federal response, saying any federal involvement would violate the U.S. Constitution. Hertel said the state party's voter protection program will ensure every voter's voice is heard, and that the courts and voter rights awareness will be essential tools to prevent federal government overreach.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing debate over the federal government's role in state elections, with Democrats in Michigan vowing to protect the integrity of their elections against potential interference from Republicans. The issue is particularly contentious given Trump's continued false claims of widespread election fraud and his calls for the federal government to take a more active role in overseeing state elections.

The details

Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel Jr. condemned Trump's recent comments accusing states of 'crooked elections' and calling for a federal response. Hertel said any federal involvement in Michigan elections would be a violation of the U.S. Constitution, and that the state party's voter protection program, the courts, and voter rights awareness will be essential to preventing federal government overreach. Hertel said the party is prepared to defend against potential federal interference, as Trump may be trying to delegitimize state-run elections in case Republicans lose in the fall.

  • On Feb. 2, Trump first said Republicans should take over and 'nationalize' voting in an interview.
  • On Feb. 3, Trump further criticized how states run their elections during a press opportunity at a bill-signing ceremony in the Oval Office.
  • Earlier this month, Trump made comments accusing states of running 'crooked elections' and calling for a federal response.

The players

Curtis Hertel Jr.

The chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, who condemned Trump's comments and said the party is prepared to defend against potential federal interference in the state's elections.

Donald Trump

The former president who has made false claims of widespread election fraud in Michigan and other states, and has called for the federal government to take a more active role in overseeing state elections.

Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan, who said any move by the federal government to take over Michigan's elections should be considered an attempt to take away Michiganders' right to vote.

Jocelyn Benson

The Michigan secretary of state, who is the state's top election officer and supervises local officials throughout the election process.

Aric Nesbitt

The Senate Minority Leader and gubernatorial candidate in Michigan, who echoed Trump's call for federal monitoring of the state's elections.

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What they’re saying

“This is an attack on our democracy. We've had free and fair elections in Michigan, and whether we're in courts or by Senate Republican hearings, they have proven over and over again that there was no widespread fraud, and that the elections were fair.”

— Curtis Hertel Jr., Michigan Democratic Party chair (Michigan Independent)

“We certify the accurate results, no matter who wins, and we wish the next officeholder the best of luck as they seek to bring people together and lead us forward. That's what we do in Michigan, and it ought to be how we do things across the nation. This November, Michiganders will work together once again to run another safe, secure election. We will do our constitutional duty, without interference. We will honor the results. And we will move forward together.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (Press release)

“These acknowledgements reflect the professionalism, diligence, and integrity of the election staff who serve the voters of Detroit. The Department remains committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.”

— Janice Winfrey, Detroit City Clerk (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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