Editor’s note. This analysis was based on information provided to National Right to Life News Today by Right to Life of Michigan, NRLC’s state affiliate.
Because of the selfless work of pro-life people, the 2014 midterm election saw 86% of candidates endorsed by the Right to Life of Michigan Political Action Committee win their races– a historic result.
The top of the ticket did well, including returning pro-life Bill Schuette to the important office of Michigan Attorney General for four more years. We have elected pro-life people who share our values.
Highlights include victory for 100% of the endorsed candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives; 100% of the endorsed candidates for the Michigan Senate; and 90% of endorsed candidates for the Michigan House.
Specifically, we won 27 out of 27 races for the state senate where there are 38 seats and 61 out of 68 races in the state house where there are 110 seats.
As a result we have a solid majority the House and a super majority in the Senate!
By contrast, despite the efforts of paid election workers, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan-endorsed candidates fared poorly, winning only 46% of its races. Planned Parenthood routinely downplays their commitment to abortion, but Michigan voters were not fooled and returned solid pro-life majorities to the Michigan Legislature.
Although pro-abortion Gary Peters was unfortunately elected to the United States Senate, all eight of our endorsed candidates for the House of Representatives won on Tuesday: Dan Benishek, Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar, Fred Upton, Tim Walberg, Mike Bishop, Candice Miller and David Trott. Consequently our congressional delegation remains over 50% pro-life.
Pro-life volunteers, working hard without pay, made a difference in key races, of which some were decided by less than 100 votes. Before the election, Detroit Free Press columnist Brian Dickerson begrudgingly recognized the unique success Right to Life of Michigan has with elections and legislation in the column, “How Right to Life keeps winning in Michigan.”
Right to Life of Michigan is a grassroots organization that depends on the work of affiliates and volunteers across the state. You are Right to Life of Michigan. Thank you for your efforts this election season!
Recent elections in Michigan have underscored a noteworthy trend: being pro-life can yield significant dividends at the polls. Across the state, candidates who have championed pro-life policies and values have garnered substantial support from voters, reflecting the enduring influence of the pro-life movement and its resonance with Michigan’s electorate. This electoral success not only highlights the significance of pro-life issues in shaping voter preferences but also underscores the complex interplay between ideology, morality, and political engagement in the state’s political landscape.
At the heart of this trend lies the deep-rooted commitment to pro-life principles among Michigan voters, who have consistently voiced their support for policies that protect the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. From opposing abortion to advocating for measures that promote alternatives such as adoption and pregnancy support services, pro-life candidates have tapped into a wellspring of grassroots support from constituents who prioritize the protection of unborn children and the preservation of family values.
Moreover, Michigan’s pro-life electorate has been galvanized by recent legislative efforts to advance pro-life policies at the state level, including measures to restrict abortion access, protect parental rights, and promote a culture of life. These initiatives have resonated strongly with voters who seek to align their elected representatives with their values and priorities, leading to increased support for pro-life candidates in local, state, and federal elections.
In addition to reflecting voter preferences, the electoral success of pro-life candidates in Michigan also speaks to the organizational prowess and mobilization efforts of the pro-life movement within the state. Grassroots organizations, advocacy groups, and faith-based communities have played a pivotal role in galvanizing support for pro-life candidates, mobilizing volunteers, and amplifying pro-life messaging through targeted outreach and grassroots organizing.
Furthermore, the electoral success of pro-life candidates in Michigan underscores the importance of engaging with voters on issues of moral and ethical significance, particularly in an era of heightened polarization and partisan division. By articulating a clear and compelling pro-life message, candidates have been able to resonate with a broad spectrum of voters, transcending traditional party lines and appealing to individuals who may not align with their party on other issues.
However, it is essential to recognize that being pro-life is not a monolithic stance, and there is diversity of opinion within Michigan’s electorate on issues related to reproductive rights and abortion. While pro-life candidates may enjoy support from a significant segment of the electorate, they must also navigate the complexities of representing a diverse and pluralistic state, where differing perspectives on abortion and reproductive healthcare coexist.
As Michigan continues to grapple with complex social and political issues, the electoral success of pro-life candidates serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of the pro-life movement and its resonance with voters. However, it also underscores the importance of engaging with voters on a range of issues, listening to diverse perspectives, and striving to represent the interests and values of all constituents, regardless of ideological differences. In doing so, Michigan’s elected leaders can work towards a more inclusive and representative democracy that reflects the diversity and complexity of the state’s electorate.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
