The Democrats took a lot of hits in November at the national level. Republicans now control both chambers of Congress in addition to the Supreme Court and the White House. 

In Michigan, the bleeding wasn’t as bad, but Democrats did lose the state House. Many claim they missed many opportunities during November’s lame duck session. 

Losses can be painful, but they are also an opportunity to do something differently. 

It’s a chance to win back power, and so far Democrats have been positioning themselves as a party of collaborators. This seems especially true after Governor Gretchen Whitmer went to the White House on Saturday to “find common ground.” 

Building trust with Republicans seems to be part of the plan. 

Curtis Hertel Jr. is the new chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, a former state legislator and congressional candidate. He joins The Metro to discuss Democrats' overall goals and the lessons learned in 2024.

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