Trail Mix: In the TV spotlight
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Welcome back to our weekly roundup of local election news.
Debate deets: WDIV's mayoral debate, 7pm Monday night, will broadcast live on Local 4 and stream on Local 4+. It's likely to be the most-watched debate of the primary season.
- WDIV anchor Jason Colthorp is scheduled to moderate.
- The debate will feature four candidates, chosen based on local polling figures: Mary Sheffield, Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch Jr. and James Craig. It does not include candidates Fred Durhal III, Todd Perkins, Jonathan Barlow, Joel Haashiim and DaNetta Simpson.
- Perkins called the decision not to invite all candidates "media gatekeeping" on Instagram.
📬 Hosting a debate watch party? Send an email to [email protected] to tell us about it! Send a pic if you're feeling fancy.
Endorsements of the week: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan put its lot behind two candidates in the mayoral race:
- City Council member Durhal, for his commitment to supporting women's reproductive rights, including while in the state Legislature, his campaign announced last week.
- Former nonprofit CEO and City Council President Jenkins, who says she's always fought for reproductive freedom and access to quality health care.
Meanwhile, City Council President Sheffield's campaign says she secured backing from big-spending EMILYs List. The organization, focused on Democratic pro-choice women, cited Sheffield's advocacy against discrimination in the workplace, and her support of affordable housing and reproductive rights.
- Sheffield's campaign also announced recently she has raised $1 million, saying she is the first woman mayoral candidate in Michigan to do so.
- We should learn more about campaign finances in late July.
Plus, an environmental justice-focused debate is slated for Tuesday, 5:30-8:30pm at the Wright Museum.