Tlaib wins Michigan Democratic primary

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) successfully defended her seat in Michigan’s 13th District on Tuesday, fending off a primary challenge from former Rep. Brenda Jones (D-Mich.). 

The Associated Press called the race for the incumbent on Wednesday morning. Tlaib won 66 percent of the votes cast, with 87 percent of precincts reporting. 

“Voters sent a clear message that they’re done waiting for transformative change, that they want an unapologetic fighter who will take on the status quo and win,” Tlaib said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We have a resounding mandate to put people before profits. Let it be known that in the 13th District, just like in communities across our country, we are done with establishment politics that put corporations first,” she continued. “If I was considered the most vulnerable member of the Squad, I think it’s safe to say the Squad is here to stay, and it’s only getting bigger.” 

Tlaib was seen as the front-runner going into the primary given her lead in fundraising and in the polls. A Target-Insight survey released last month showed the lawmaker with 52 percent support, while Jones trailed at 24 percent support.

In fundraising, Tlaib raised $777,000 during the second quarter, bringing her fundraising total to $2.9 million. Jones, on the other hand, raised $98,000 during the same period, bringing her total to $140,000.

However, Jones defeated Tlaib in the race to replace former Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) in the district in 2018, and was outspent by her in that cycle as well. Jones served in Congress for just over a month.

Tlaib later defeated Jones in the six-way primary to replace Conyers and Jones when the new term was due to start in 2019. 

The progressive congresswoman gained national attention after she was elected. She is known for being a member of the self-described “squad” of four progressive congresswomen also elected in 2018: Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.).

Tlaib made headlines shortly after she was sworn into office when she called for President Trump’s impeachment, telling supporters “we’re gonna impeach the motherf—er.” 

She received notable endorsements from both wings of the Democratic Party ahead of the primary, including progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). 

Jones touted her longstanding connections within the Detroit community, pointing to her experience as a member and president of the city council. She was also seen as representative of the city’s large Black population, receiving endorsements from a number of city council members and several prominent Black ministers, including Second Ebenezer Church’s Bishop Edgar Vann.

Tlaib’s victory was one of many for progressive candidates in Tuesday’s primaries. Progressive Cori Bush won her primary against longtime Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.), scoring a stunning upset. Additionally, Missouri voters voted to approve Medicaid expansion, despite objections from Republican leaders in the state.