ELi’s Priorities
Keep Michigan Safe
As Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County, Eli has prioritized the prosecution—and prevention—of serious crime. In addition to bolstering his office’s capacity to prosecute sex crimes, domestic violence, and child abuse, he has built several new community-based programs geared towards preventing gun violence and intimate-partner violence. He has also successfully advocated for legislative changes to keep Michigan safe, including common-sense reforms geared towards keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. As Attorney General, Eli will work steadfastly not just to prosecute serious crime, but to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Fight For Our Rights
Eli is an experienced civil-rights litigator who has worked on major cases involving voting rights, the right to education, and reproductive freedom. With the federal government stepping back from civil-rights enforcement, state enforcement is more critical than ever. As Attorney General, Eli will work tirelessly to ensure that every Michigander’s rights are protected—regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Defend Workers
Eli has been a steadfast champion for working people. In Washtenaw County, he built the State’s only stand-alone unit in a prosecutor’s office dedicated to workers’ and consumers’ rights. As Attorney General, Eli will have no higher priority than ensuring that workers are paid the money they are owed; have access to the benefits they’ve earned; and enjoy safe and dignified working conditions. He will fight back against wage theft, payroll fraud, labor trafficking, and unsafe working conditions. In addition, Eli will stand with workers against any attempts to deprive them of their right to organize or to raise claims of unfair labor practices.
Protect Consumers
In the face of economic uncertainty and skyrocketing prices, it is more important than ever to protect Michigan consumers against predatory businesses. Eli has already established himself as a statewide leader on consumer-protection issues. He created a unit in the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office specifically dedicated to worker and consumer protection—and has led multi-jurisdictional litigation efforts to revitalize Michigan’s Consumer Protection Act. As Attorney General, Eli will prioritize consumer protection, and will litigate to stop price gouging, deceptive practices, and other consumer abuse.
Safeguard our Constitution
For centuries, the Constitution has protected some of our most fundamental rights: the right to free speech; the right to due process; the right to be free from federal overreach. Now more than ever, it is crucial to protect those basic freedoms. And as Attorney General, Eli will use every tool at his disposal to ensure that no Michigander—whoever they are, and whatever they believe—is denied their constitutionally protected liberties.
Protect Our Environment
Every Michigander has a right to clean air, clean water, and safe and healthy living conditions. Throughout his career, Eli has fought to protect our environment. Among other things, he has worked on successful lawsuits against major corporations who polluted the air and water with PFAS and other deadly chemicals. He would be the first Attorney General in Michigan history to have previously practiced as an environmental lawyer on behalf of states. Eli believes that polluters must be held accountable for the damage they cause to our environment, and will work tirelessly as Attorney General to protect our air, water, and our Great Lakes.
Promote Justice For All
Eli recognizes that there is no one-sized-fits-all approach to justice. Though serious crime must be taken seriously, many people accused of lower-level offenses can benefit from alternative approaches—including mental-health and substance-use treatment. As prosecutor, Eli has built out multiple successful programs that ensure accountability and get people the help that they need, while allowing them to avoid a criminal record if the program is successfully completed. As Attorney General, Eli will support evidence-based community-based programs across the State to allow for rehabilitation.
Work with Local Communities
With deep experience in local government, Eli understands that local problems require local solutions. Whether it’s a local business infringing on workers’ rights, a local slumlord taking advantage of tenants, or a polluter contaminating a local stream, the Attorney General must be responsive to local needs—and work with communities to find solutions. As Prosecutor, Eli has a track record of partnering with local governments and community leaders to address local concerns. He is also a nationally recognized expert in how state attorneys general can use their authority to address local concerns. And as Attorney General, Eli will use his legal authority to address the most pressing issues that hit closest to home.