(Source: MIRS.news, Published 07/21/2023) Freshmen Rep. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), a lead sponsor of legislation strengthening the state's Hate Crimes statute, and Donni Steele (R-Lake Orion), who represents a politically competitive metro Detroit House seat, are at least the seventh and eighth House members to face a recall petition effort this week.
Three other Democrats – Reps. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte), Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor), and Reggie Miller (D-Belleville) – also are facing a recall petition gathering effort due to their support of expanding the state's ethnic intimidation statute to include other protected categories, including sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability and age.
Following the bill’s passage, it gained national attention when several national news outlets reported that misgendering an individual could be a prosecutable offense under the bill package, which Arbit refuted.
In response to notification from the Secretary of State that a recall petition was filed to remove him, Arbit confirmed on Instagram that the reason listed was his vote on HB 4474.
“The petitioner is correct,” Arbit said. “Not only did I vote for HB 4474, I wrote it and sponsored it, one of the proudest, most meaningful moments of my life.”
Two other Democrats, Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) and Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), are facing a recall petition-gathering effort for voting for a gun control measure. Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) is facing a recall petition effort, as well.
House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo) announced late Friday evening that Steele also was facing a recall petition, but didn't elaborate for what reason opponents are seeking to remove her.
"Rep. Donni Steele has emerged as a strong leader in Lansing," Hall said. “As our lead addressing critical infrastructure needs, she’s been a fiscally responsible voice pushing to fix our crumbling roads and bridges in Oakland County and around the state. She’s focused on what matters for the district she represents. She has our full support, and we will defend her as we would any other member.”
“I will never apologize for fighting to protect all Michiganders from hate violence, and I will never be intimidated or cowed out of achieving my mission,” Arbit said.
He called the recall effort an “organized far-right, dark money campaign."
Arbit said he would honor his promise to the people of West Bloomfield, Commerce and the Lakes to “lead the fight against rising hate and extremism, and to relentlessly advocate for this community that I love.”
“That is what I have done in my first six months in office, and that is what I will continue to do as long as my community has confidence in me to represent them with faith and fidelity,” he said.
Shortly after making the post, Arbit shared a donation page on Twitter.
