Dark Money and PR Firms Target Black Voters in Michigan Senate Race

Key points

• El-Sayed raised $30.7 million in the last quarter, three times more than Rogers' $9.7 million, but Rogers has a larger cash reserve due to lower spending.
• The Empowering Black America PAC launched a $1.5 million ad campaign on Oct. 19, accusing El-Sayed of being disrespectful to Black voters.
• The PAC is linked to Mercury Public Affairs, a firm that previously advised Governor Rick Snyder and Veolia during the Flint water crisis.
• A Glengariff/Detroit News poll shows El-Sayed has 88% support among likely Black voters, compared to 4% for Rogers.
• The race is the most expensive in Michigan history, with over $270 million in disclosed spending, including $95 million from outside groups supporting Rogers.

Background

The Michigan Senate race has been marked by intense spending and targeted attacks on El-Sayed's support among Black voters. Previous coverage highlighted concerns about Black voter turnout and the impact of dark money on the race. El-Sayed has faced criticism from conservative media and Republican surrogates, while Democrats have focused on economic messaging and high-profile endorsements to mobilize voters.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post highlights the direct impact of targeted ads on Black voters, noting the use of out-of-context quotes to create a narrative of disrespect. Michigan Public emphasizes the role of dark money and the connection between the Empowering Black America PAC and Mercury Public Affairs, linking current tactics to the Flint water crisis. Bridge Michigan focuses on the financial aspects of the race, noting El-Sayed's fundraising advantage but also the significant outside spending supporting Rogers. The State News provides historical context on lobbying and dark money, framing El-Sayed's 'money out of politics' platform as part of a long-standing effort to curb corporate influence in politics.

Why it matters

The Michigan Senate race is pivotal for Senate control, and the outcome will be heavily influenced by Black voter turnout. The use of dark money and targeted ads to erode support among key demographics raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the impact of corporate influence on elections.

What to watch

The final weeks of the campaign will see continued spending on ads and outreach efforts to mobilize voters. The outcome of the race will depend on the ability of both candidates to maintain or grow their support among key demographics, particularly Black voters in Detroit and other urban areas.