Hello neighbor,

The August primary is behind us, and now it’s full speed ahead to November! Every day, our team is out in the field as we work to connect with voters across our lakeshore district, because we know we cannot take even a single vote for granted. In recent weeks, MIRS News, Gongwer, and the Detroit News have ranked our race in the top six seats most likely to flip. 

With all eyes on this district, we’re putting everything we have into this campaign. To overcome the odds and win a district Trump carried by seven points just two years ago, we’re going to need all hands on deck, helping us get out the vote. But we’ve done this before — and with a strong team behind us, I know we can do it again.

In this newsletter, catch up with some of the things we’ve been up to on the campaign trail and learn about opportunities to get involved with Team Hertel. We hope you'll join us as we keep building momentum in  the weeks ahead.

In this newsletter, catch up with some of the things we’ve been up to on the campaign trail and learn about opportunities to get involved with Team Hertel. We hope you'll join us as we keep building momentum in  the months ahead.

Sincerely,

• As election season ramps up, so does our people-powered field operation! Every week, we’re launching canvasses and phonebanks Monday-Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sign up here to get involved.

• We’ve secured the endorsements of nine local leaders — from Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods to New Baltimore and Algonac. Read on to learn more.

• We’re looking to hire field fellows to help us get out the vote. Fellows will be responsible for door knocking, phonebanking, managing events, and other campaign-related tasks. Pay is $15-25 an hour. Apply here.

By the Numbers

Now that the primary is behind us, the real work begins! We're ramping up our organizing efforts, because one thing is for certain: we can't afford to slow down — not in a district we won by just 404 votes in 2022 and that Trump carried by seven points in 2024.

Last cycle, we won this race by meeting voters where they were — on their front porches, in their neighborhoods, and in their communities. That’s why every day, we’re out on the doors, making phone calls, distributing yard signs, and getting our message out about the kind of future we're fighting to build for families across Michigan. 

But once the primary is behind us, the real work begins.

That's why we need your help. If you want to be part of the grassroots momentum we're building on the ground, sign up to volunteer using the link below. Whether you have an hour to spare or want to get involved every week, there's a place for you on Team Hertel.

Campaign Stops

Visiting with Union Workers

Last week, I had the chance to sit down with UAW retirees who showed me firsthand the power of a union. Because they fought together, they were able to earn a safe and secure retirement with a pension and health care they can count on. Then, I headed over to Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 to talk about the work we’re continuing to do in Lansing to protect and strengthen workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.

At the end of the day, when workers have a seat at the table, they have the power to build a better future — on the job and in retirement.

St. Clair Shores Democratic Club Picnic

The St. Clair Shores Democratic Club is fired up and ready to elect candidates up and down the ballot who are focused on actually lowering costs and building opportunity for working families.

It was great getting to stop by their annual picnic to see the energy behind this year’s elections and talk about the stakes of our race here in Senate District 12. We’ve got a lot of work to do — and I’m grateful to have the support of an incredible group of folks who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get it done. 

League of Conservation Voters Canvass Launch

Earlier this month, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters came out to help Denise Menzter and me connect with folks in Mount Clemens to talk about our fight against constant utility rate increases and our work to build a cleaner, healthier environment.

Big thank you to everyone who showed up and showed out in full force!

New Endorsements

Team Hertel is growing bigger and bigger every day as endorsements continue to roll in at a record pace. Just last week, we were proud to announce the endorsements of nine local leaders from communities across our lakeshore district.

During my time in the Michigan Senate, there are few working relationships I value more than the ones I share with city leaders. By working together across party lines, we’ve been able to achieve some great things for our region, because we set aside politics and built relationships around the shared goal of creating opportunity for the families who call our community home.

That’s why I’m incredibly proud to have the support of:

• Sheila Tomkowiak, City of Grosse Pointe Mayor

• Arthur Bryant, Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor

• Valerie Kindle, Harper Woods Mayor

• Kip Walby, St. Clair Shores Mayor

• Paul Gieleghem, Clinton Township Supervisor

• Laura Kropp, Mount Clemens Mayor

• Brad Kersten, Chesterfield Township Supervisor

• Tom Semaan, New Baltimore Mayor

• Rocky Gillis, Algonac Mayor
  

And the momentum doesn’t stop there. We’re also honored to have earned the support of a growing coalition of labor and advocacy organizations that believe in our vision for a stronger, more affordable Michigan:

• Unite Here! Local 24

• UFCW Local 876

• United Steel Workers

• Committee to Protect Healthcare

• Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan

• MI List

• Rank MI Vote

• Michigan Association for Justice

• St. Clair Shores Democratic Club

• Michigan County Road Association

• Michigan Retailers Association
  

To see our full list of endorsements, visit KevinHertelForSenate.com/endorsements.

As we continue to grow our support, there’s still one major endorsement I’m missing though: yours. This campaign has always been powered by people — not special interests — and by neighbors who believe in rolling up their sleeves, solving problems, and delivering real results. If you're with us, add your name and join Team Hertel today.

ENDORSE KEVIN

Volunteer Spotlight

This campaign is a true team effort, and I can honestly say there’s no team better than the volunteers powering Team Hertel. Every week, we have folks lending a hand, helping knock doors, make phone calls, write postcards, and so much more.

I want to take a moment to highlight a few of exceptional volunteers who’ve really made an impact this month:

• Nick who spent his summer before starting law school helping knock over 500 doors!

• Judith and Maria who have been writing postcards and helping us phonebank.

• And finally, I want to say thank you to all of the amazing campaign fellows we had this summer! Marissa, Jackson, Yana, Adam, Moe, Jonah, and Avery were powerhouses who helped us knock tens of thousands of doors over the last few months. We’re  incredibly sad to see them leave as they head back to college, but I know I can count on them to continue making a difference on their campuses.

Quick Action to Take

Help us grow our Facebook following!

One of the easiest ways you can help our campaign right now is by inviting your friends to follow our Facebook page. It only takes a minute:

• Visit our Facebook page

• Tap the three dots (•••) in the top right corner

• Select “Invite Friends”

• Tap “Select All”

• Hit “Send”
  

As we continue to connect with voters and introduce them to the work we’ve done to deliver results for our community, every new follower you introduce to us helps get our message in front of more neighbors.

Winning this race — and protecting our Democratic majority in the Michigan Senate — will require a strong grassroots campaign powered by dedicated organizers. Right now, we have open field fellow positions. These individuals will play a critical role in talking directly with voters and helping maximize turnout across the district.

Compensation is $15-25 per hour.

Canvass with Team Hertel

Join Kevin and the team on Saturday mornings  as we talk with voters about the issues that matter most to families in our lakeshore community — lowering costs, investing in public education, protecting Lake St. Clair, and more.

• Saturday, September 12th at 11:00 

• Saturday, September 19th at 11:00 a.m.

• Saturday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m.
  

No prior canvassing experience is needed. We’ll provide training, materials, and everything you need before heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or knocking doors for the first time, your help will make a real difference as this district will be one of the most competitive races in Michigan, and every conversation we have now brings us one step closer to victory in November.

Weekday Volunteer Shifts

As election season ramps up, so does our people-powered field operation! Every week, we’re starting to launch canvasses and phonebanks Monday-Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where you can drop in and pick up a shift when you can.

We can’t take a single vote for granted — not in a district where we only won by 404 votes in 2022. Every conversation matters, every door matters, and every voter we reach brings us one step closer to protecting the progress we've made together. That work takes resources. 

Every donation — whether it’s $10 or $100 — helps us build momentum and fuel our ground game ahead of what will be another competitive and consequential election.