8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AUGUST PRIMARY Why the Aug. 4 primary is the real election here JAY COOPER Groundcover contributor It's hard to recommend that people vote when our representatives so rarely represent our interests. It's harder to encourage people to vote in a primary, but in deep blue places like Ann Arbor and Ypsi, the Democrat primary is the real election. Ann Arbor’s mayor has been a Democrat since the year 2000, and Ann Arbor City Council seats in order of ward and seat (two seats per ward) have been filled by Democrats since: Ward 1 — 1961, 1978; Ward 2 — 2002, 2020; Ward 3 — 1983, 1988; Ward 4 — 1994, 2005; Ward 5 — 1991 and 1990. The seat in the U.S. Senate that's up for grabs this election has been filled by a Democrat since 1978. If we had ranked-choice voting, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, this wouldn't be the case; the Democratic Party would have much less control over who represents us in seats of power, and progressive parties like Democratic Socialists of America would not have to endorse Democrats in a so-far not-so-successful bid to get progressive representation. That's why The local race for Michigan state senator FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 The Michigan State Senate is the upper chamber of the Michigan State Legislature. Alongside the Michigan House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Michigan state government and works alongside the governor of Michigan to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Michigan State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. Having the right to vote is a privilege that should never be underestimated. The power is in the decision of the people who vote. I am not endorsing nor suggesting who you should vote for, however here is the information I derived. This is a summation of the candidates who are running in this very important Michigan Senate race to represent folks in parts of Washtenaw, Monroe and Lenawee counties. I reached out to everyone; however, only one candidate, Felicia Brabec, answered. Let’s take a look at the Republican who is running, the elusive Jason Rogers. I say elusive because he never answered my email. However, I looked him up and only found very vague campaign information. He ran for state representative in 2024 and lost that election. His website, www.electjasonrogers.org/, has a brief bio, but there is no detail about what he will do in office. His report card is empty folks; it lists the background and history of the Republican party and his role as a party delegate. I don’t know how you are supposed to vote for someone who takes no stance in your community. What are the Republicans or Democrats going to do to help our community? Who are Jason Rogers’ opponents? The Democrat ballot offers Felicia Brabec and Michael White. Felicia Brabec served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, from 2021-2024. She was assigned to the House Appropriations Committee. Her background is as a clinical psychologist; she was in private practice but also worked with the University of Michigan and was a high school counselor. While in office, Brabec sponsored the Civil Right Housing Discrimination Act MI HB4063-HB4062; Corrections and State Identification Cards MI HB4193-MI HB4192; and History and Arts MI HB4177. These are only a few of the laws she supported; for all others check out her website, www.feliciabrabec.com. Michael White has spent more than two decades serving the people of Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan, from organizing voter education efforts to leading community organizations and neighborhood initiatives. He is currently the president of Educate Youth. See www.electmichaelwhite.com. The four questions I asked the candidates are: 1.What problems in our community concern you the most? Brabec: The rising cost of living, gun violence, access to mental health care, inequities in education and economic opportunity concern me. White’s page states, "Families across our district are facing rising costs, housing challenges, and uneven access to opportunity." 2. What is your plan to address the rising cost of housing and living? Brabec: To lower the cost of living, we can expand access to affordable childcare, reduce the cost of prescription drugs and improve our local infrastructure. We also need to prevent utility companies from imposing astronomical rate spikes, by supporting the MMOP ballot initiative to reduce money’s influence in politics, thereby stymying the lobbying power Jason Rogers (R) the Democrats canvassed so hard against ranked-choice voting – they don't want to give up their power in choosing our representation for us. Currently the only option we have is to vote in their primary. Luckily in Michigan you don't have to register as a Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary, you only have to select the Democratic primary ballot. JUNE 26, 2026 Felicia Brabec (D) of the utility companies. White’s page states some reccomendations such as focusing on practical solutions, lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing, and investing in education and workforce development. 3. How will you help address homelessness and affordable housing? Brabec: The rising cost of housing is a growing challenge across Michigan, that’s why I voted in favor of investing tens of millions of dollars into affordable housing. White’s website refers to support for affordable housing through investment in infrastructure. 4. What is one binding vow you’re making to voters today and how will you be held accountable for keeping it? Brabec: My binding vow to voters is that I will fight to expand access to mental health care for Michiganders regardless of income, insurance status, or ZIP code. As a clinical psychologist, I have seen how untreated mental health needs affect families, schools, workplaces and public safety. In the State Senate, I will work to increase funding for community-based mental health services, expand school mental health supports and reduce barriers to care for uninsured and underinsured residents. I will be held accountable by publicly reporting the bills I sponsor. I will also continue meeting with Michael White (D) providers, patients, families, educators, and advocates to make sure policy decisions are guided by the people most directly impacted. White’s page states: Michigan can lead the nation in innovation and economic growth, but only if everyone can participate. I will fight for good-paying jobs, workforce development, strong public schools, and small business growth, while ensuring corporate incentives come with real community benefits such as local hiring and fair wages. We can build an economy where people don’t have to leave Michigan to build a future and where opportunity is a promise paid forward, not a privilege passed down. In conclusion, those who care about their community and financial stability should take a look at issues very carefully. Voting for a label and not what represents your own interests can be a loss for the community.
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