Wayne County clerk rejects attempt to disqualify candidate from primary ballot over her name change

(Michigan Advance) Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett officially denied a campaign challenge in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 2nd House District, in which one candidate, Frank Liberati, sought to have one of his opponents, Joanna Whaley, disqualified from the ballot over the name by which she would appear.

Specifically, Liberati claimed that Whaley, who is transgender, had violated state campaign law by not listing her deadname on her affidavit of identity submitted to run for office.

Whaley, however, did legally change her name in 2025, as she demonstrated to the county clerk’s office. She also demonstrated that she has been using the name in a “common law” capacity — the name that she generally goes by — since at least May 2022, far longer than the six months that statute requires for candidates to show that they use a certain name.

“Last night, our campaign received important news that Frank Liberati’s challenge to my candidacy, a challenge targeting my legal name change associated with my transition, has been decisively rejected by the county clerk. I am officially confirmed for the August 4th, 2026 primary ballot,” Whaley said in a statement. “This moment is a powerful affirmation of justice, and I am deeply grateful to the supporters nationwide, the Michigan Democratic Party, and the elected leaders who stood with us.” .....................(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/2026/05/12/wayne-county-clerk-rejects-attempt-to-disqualify-candidate-from-primary-ballot-over-her-name-change/