SE Oakland News

Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican member of the Michigan Senate, used his social media platform on August 20 and 21, 2025, to voice opposition to sanctuary city policies and ranked choice voting. In a series of posts, Nesbitt drew contrasts between Republican positions and those of Democrats in Michigan.

On August 20, Nesbitt wrote: "We need SAFE cities not SANCTUARY cities.

Unlike Dana Nessel, President Trump and Republicans will continue to stand for LAW and ORDER." The statement referenced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and former President Donald Trump while criticizing sanctuary city policies.

Later that day, Nesbitt addressed recent legislative actions regarding election laws. He stated: "House Democrats joined together to vote against banning ranked choice voting because they know they can only win by manipulating the rules."

The following morning, on August 21, he continued his criticism of ranked choice voting with another post: "Say NO to Rigged Choice Voting."

Ranked choice voting has been debated in several states as an alternative electoral system where voters rank candidates by preference rather than choosing only one. Supporters argue it can reduce negative campaigning and ensure majority support for elected officials. Critics like Senator Nesbitt contend that it complicates elections and could be manipulated for partisan advantage.

Sanctuary city policies refer to local government decisions limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Proponents say these measures protect immigrant communities from undue targeting; opponents argue they undermine law enforcement and public safety priorities.

Nesbitt’s statements reflect ongoing partisan debates in Michigan over both election reform and immigration policy. According to Ballotpedia, Aric Nesbitt represents Michigan's 20th State Senate District as a Republican.