Washtenaw Leaders Highlight Savit’s Local Ties After AG Nomination

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit’s nomination for Michigan attorney general is a statewide political story, but for many local officials and community leaders, it is also a familiar one.

Savit secured the Democratic nomination for attorney general at the Michigan Democratic Party’s April 19 convention in Detroit. He is expected to face Republican nominee Doug Lloyd in the November general election.

In Washtenaw County, local leaders pointed to Savit’s work as prosecutor, as well as his years of visibility at community events, public meetings and local gatherings across the county.

Savit was born and raised in Ann Arbor, was elected Washtenaw County prosecuting attorney in 2020 and is also a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, according to his campaign website.

Saline Mayor Brian Marl said he was pleased to see Savit win the nomination after a competitive convention.

“It was tough competition at the recent MDP convention, but I’m thrilled our local prosecutor pulled out a win,” Marl said. “Mr. Savit has the experience, acumen and passion to make an outstanding attorney general. He also has the right priorities. I was proud to be an early supporter of his campaign. I wish him the very best in November. I’m behind him 100%.”

Milan community organizer and former City Council member Josh Kofflin said Savit’s nomination reflects his work in Washtenaw County.

“I’m happy to see him get nominated and go to work for the state,” Kofflin said. “He has done a lot of good for Washtenaw County.”

Milan community organizer Laura Russeau also pointed to Savit’s presence in the community, writing in a public social media post that he has “been showing up for Milan for a long time.”

Chelsea City Council member Tony Iannelli said he was glad to see Savit secure the nomination.

“He has been a great prosecutor for Washtenaw County, and I look forward to him going to Lansing to continue his work,” Iannelli said.

Saline City Council member Jim Dell’Orco said Savit has shown “sound leadership, integrity, and a clear stance on ensuring the punishment fits the crime.”

“Throughout his time in office, Eli has proven that public safety and systemic fairness are not mutually exclusive,” Dell’Orco said. “I have every bit of faith that he will bring these essential qualities to the attorney general’s office.”

State Sen. Jeff Irwin said Savit’s record on environmental issues is one reason he believes Savit would be effective as attorney general. He said the attorney general’s office differs from a county prosecutor’s role because it has broader authority over statewide issues, including consumer protection, wage theft, environmental enforcement and online scams.

Irwin said Savit has shown he cares about those issues and would be a strong advocate for Michigan residents if elected.

Savit did not respond to a request for comment by publication time. In a social media post after the convention, he wrote that he was “extraordinarily grateful” for the Michigan Democratic Party’s endorsement and thanked those who supported the campaign.

“I’m proud of the coalition we’ve built,” Savit wrote. “And I look forward to expanding it and standing in solidarity as a party as we move on to November.”

Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer also congratulated Savit and other Democratic nominees after the convention, writing, “People power for the win.”

On the Republican side, Lloyd congratulated Savit in a social media post and said he looks forward to debates that will show voters “a clear contrast.”

For local officials and community leaders, Savit’s nomination moves a familiar Washtenaw County figure into a statewide race. Several pointed to his work in the prosecutor’s office, while others noted his regular presence in local communities before the attorney general race reached the general election stage.

Featured image: Eli Savit speaks at a Milan community event. Photo courtesy of Laura Russeau