I SEE YOU, I HEAR YOU

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been circulating out into communities less known as Democratic strongholds, often in smaller, more intimate gatherings. Birmingham, which as recently as a decade ago was a Republican bastion, a sure thing for any Republican politician, is now seen as a more purple area, if not solidly blue. Whitmer has held events at Hazel’s in downtown Birmingham, and a reproductive health care roundtable with faith leaders and health care professionals at Lucky Detroit Coffee Roasters & Espresso, also in Birmingham. “She is having many more intimate meetings, especially with women,” said a Whitmer staffer. “Previous Republican strongholds, such as Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge and Birmingham are definitely more Democratic, especially on reproductive rights and issues. 2024 should be an interesting year.” The staffer credited state Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Detroit) with helping to turn those areas from bright red.