Despite Hertel’s defeat, Whitmer has endorsed his bid to become the next Michigan Democratic Party Chair, much to the chagrin of some MDP members. Other endorsements for Hertel include Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, dozens of state legislators, Caucus Chairs, and The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said the party was “not dead” despite the party’s loss of the White House and Senate majority in last fall’s elections. “We’re not dead as a party. We’re still alive and kicking,