Joe Tate Backs Arthur Harrington in Michigan House Race as March On PAC Adds National Support

Black Press Media USA

Detroit, Mich. — Former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate has endorsed Democrat Arthur Harrington in the race to succeed him in Michigan’s 9th House District, placing early weight behind a campaign that is beginning to draw attention inside and outside Detroit.

Tate, a former National Football League player who rose to become the first Black Speaker of the Michigan House, is backing Harrington as he prepares to leave the seat. The endorsement signals continuity in leadership in a district that has played a key role in shaping Democratic priorities in the state.

Harrington, a law student at Wayne State University School of Law, has built his campaign around public service and policy experience gained through internships across multiple levels of government, including the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and municipal government in Hampton, Virginia. His work has included legislative research, drafting correspondence, attending hearings, and supporting outreach and policy development efforts.

“I’m building a campaign rooted in service, opportunity, and change for Michigan’s 9th House District,” Harrington said, pointing to a strategy focused on direct voter engagement and expanding access to resources for working families.

The endorsement from Tate comes as Harrington also secures backing from March On PAC, a national, women-led political action committee that has positioned itself as a key player in Democratic primaries since 2020. The group announced Harrington as part of its 2026 slate, citing his alignment with its priorities on voting rights, reproductive freedom, economic equity, and racial justice.

Leaders with March On PAC said Tate’s endorsement reinforces what they described as growing momentum behind Harrington’s campaign and a broader coalition forming in the district.

“Harrington represents the kind of leadership we believe is critical in this moment, rooted in community, focused on delivering for working families, and reflective of the next generation of Black leadership emerging in Detroit and across the country,” the organization said in a statement.

The 9th House District race is expected to draw increased attention as Democrats look to maintain and expand influence in the state legislature. With early endorsements from both an outgoing Speaker and a national PAC, Harrington enters the race with institutional support that could shape the field in the months ahead.

March On PAC, which describes its mission as electing candidates who “fight for the people — not corporations or extremists,” has combined endorsements with grassroots organizing and targeted campaign investments. The group points to its track record since 2020 as evidence of its ability to translate political engagement into electoral wins, particularly among women, young voters, and communities of color.

For Harrington, the endorsements arrive as he continues to introduce himself to voters across the district, framing his candidacy as part of a new generation stepping into leadership roles at a time of heightened political stakes.

“Every contribution — no matter the size — helps us reach more voters and share our message,” Harrington said.