LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. entered the race to become the next chair of the Michigan Democratic Party on December 16, securing Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s endorsement as the party prepares for a leadership transition.

“I’m so proud to endorse my friend @CurtisHertelJr as he runs for Michigan Democratic Party Chair,” Whitmer said on social media. “Curtis has what it takes to protect our most fundamental freedoms and make sure we restore our Democratic trifecta in 2026.”

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Hertel is seeking to succeed Lavora Barnes, who announced last month she would step down after five years as chair. A former Michigan senator from 2015 to 2023, Hertel helped lead fundraising efforts for Senate Democrats during their successful 2022 bid to reclaim the chamber, according to MLive.

Hertel said his focus would be on winning back the state House in 2026 after Republicans reclaimed a narrow majority in November. He also pledged to defend the Senate and governor’s office.

“The stakes for our state have never been higher,” Hertel said. “We will show up in every corner of our state.”

Hertel also served as Whitmer’s legislative director earlier this year before an unsuccessful run for Congress.

Political organizer Al “BJ” Williams is the only other declared candidate for the party chair position. Democrats will choose their next leader in February at the 2025 Spring State Convention in Detroit.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Republican Party is set to elect its new chair on Feb. 22, 2025, during the convention at Huntington Place in Detroit.

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Former GOP co-chair Meshawn Maddock announced her campaign for party chair on Dec. 13, following the expected departure of current Chair Pete Hoekstra, who has been nominated as U.S. ambassador to Canada.

“I promise to be the biggest attack dog on Gretchen Whitmer and Lansing Democrats, while also being the biggest cheerleader for Michigan House Republicans and President Trump,” Maddock said on social media. “We need a state party that is able to attack democrats on a moment notice and bring the fight to their doorstep for stifling the America First agenda.”