Senators Marshall Bullock and Adam Hollier: MICRC voter analysis based on misidentification of Black legislators

Senators Adam Hollier and Marshall Bullock join the League of Conservation Voters in asking the commission to draw fair maps based on real data and analysis. MLCV has a history of standing with Black and Brown communities who are often marginalized by reports and data that seek to erase their lived reality. We can not stand by as the MICRC make such consequential decisions with patently false data and analysis. Their own data suggests that a BVAP below 45% does not allow the Black community to elect the candidate of their choosing.

Interpreting Table 10, for the Michigan state senate, is less straightforward. The three districts with BVAP percentages over 48% elect African Americans to office, but District 4, with a BVAP of 47% does not. However, the racial bloc voting analysis indicates that the incumbent state senator in this Wayne County district, Marshall Bullock, was elected with strong support from Black voters in the 2018 general election and with plurality support from Black voters in the Democratic primary in which he faced two African American opponents. On the other hand, Stephanie Chang, the state senator in District 1 (also Wayne County), which is 44.68% BVAP, was not the candidate of choice of Black voters in the 2018 Democratic primary – MICRC Dr Handley report

The MICRC has consistently said that data is the driver in their decision not to draw majority Black districts. When referencing Dr. Handley's analysis cites Sen. Marshall Bullock as a white State Senator, not as a Black man. "This is the election they use to justify the significant crossover of Black and white voters. It's just wrong. The report actually shows that a BVAP below 45% does not elect the candidate of the Black communities choosing. We have told them this consistently and ask them to correct it. With population shifts it is important to note that these districts have become less black over the past 10 years and likely need populations above that 45% to ensure they remain viable for the life of the districts." Sen Adam Hollier (D-Detroit)

As the Chairman of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, I'm angry & appalled that a so-called "expert analyst" could make such a racially explicit error in representing facts regarding my race or culture that even a cursory google search would inform. This "analysis" is being used to present a false narrative to the independent commission to promote these egregious redistricting recommendations. In addition, they violate the Voters Rights Act and are an attempt to disenfranchise the Black voter base of Detroit. These actions continue to diminish the voice & representation of Black people and our issues. It is unacceptable and must be addressed and corrected immediately." Sen Marshall Bullock (D-Detroit)

This faulty analysis underscores that the Commission must pause, reflect and redraw. Detroiters and Michiganders as whole deserve this extra time given these lines will determine their representation for a decade. This faulty analysis underscores that the Commission must pause, reflect and redraw. Detroiters and Michiganders as whole deserve this extra time given these lines will determine their representation for a decade.