Grassroots organizations and SEIU Michigan to endorse; work to elect working people champions

DETROIT — The Working Families Party (WFP), along with Detroit Action, Michigan United Action, Michigan Liberation, and SEIU Michigan announced its endorsements for District 6 incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Denzel Anton McCampbell for the District 7 in the August 5, 2025 Detroit City Council primary. Together, they represent bold leadership on the City Council that is working to make housing accessible and affordable, protect Detroit’s immigrant residents, create climate resiliency, and advocate for investing in communities to make them the centerpiece of the City’s budget priorities. These endorsements are a first step toward building a Working Families Party and Power chapter in Michigan to elevate the voices of working people through recruiting and electing candidates in local, state and federal races, along with advocating for policies at all levels of government to improve life for Michiganders.

This endorsement includes support for its candidates from knocking doors and making phone calls to voters to paid media including mailers and social media, as well as mobilizing volunteers. 

“In making these endorsements, these groups are meeting the demand from Detroit residents to have representation that puts their lives and needs at the center of the Detroit City Council’s work,” said Branden Snyder, WFP Michigan State Director. “We’re committed to elected champions for the working people of our community.”

“I’m proud to be endorsed by these organizations that advocate tirelessly for Detroit’s working people. We share a vision for Detroit: no matter who you are—your income, race, gender, immigration status, or whether you live with a disability—you should have access to a safe, affordable place to live and reliable public services,” said Gabriela Santiago-Romero. “Getting there means we need a government that works for the many, not for the wealthy few.” 

In her first term, Santiago-Romero led efforts to push back on condemning residents’ houses to help Detroiters stay in their homes, protect women seeking healthcare, improve language access in city communication, oppose use of facial recognition software by law enforcement, and establish the Detroit ID program.  

“Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Denzel McCampbell have stood side by side with working people,” said Brandice Mullen, VP of SEIU Michigan and Michigan Director of SEIU Local 1. “From holding corporations accountable to ensuring affordable, quality healthcare for all Detroiters, Gabriela and Denzel are ready to tackle our city’s most pressing challenges on day one.” 

Denzel McCampell, a former Detroit City Charter Commissioner and a leader of Progress Michigan, is running for the open seat in District 7. His platform includes ensuring basic living conditions for every city resident, including affordable housing, equitable public transportation, and clean air and water. 

“I’m proud to have the endorsement of a group of organizations that have a track record of serving and advocating for people in District 7, Detroit, and across the country,” said McCampbell. “This endorsement shows aligned visions and values between our campaign and the endorsing organizations to lift up families in Detroit, deliver well-resourced and safe neighborhoods, and increase opportunities for all Detroiters to thrive. Creating a true partnership between the Detroit City Council, residents, community organizations, and labor unions will ensure that every block, every corner, and every neighborhood is at the forefront when it comes to our city government.”

“Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Denzel McCampbell are building deep democracy with the people,” said Scott Holiday, Executive Director of Detroit Action. “We celebrate their commitment to putting the City Council’s attention where it matters: our people, our homes, and our neighborhoods.”