Michigan Rep. Gina Johnsen’s Nazi Germany Remark Shocks Audience ?

Michigan Republican lawmaker draws ire for inflammatory Nazi Germany comparison at a campaign event, igniting widespread outrage from both political and community leaders.

State Rep. Gina Johnsen’s Nazi Remark Triggers Political Firestorm

LANSING — Republican state Rep. Gina Johnsen has come under fire for comparing Michigan’s current political landscape to Nazi Germany at a Turning Point USA rally held to support GOP House candidate Andy Shaver. Johnsen’s controversial remarks, made on September 28 at the rally in Charlotte, drew sharp criticism from Jewish leaders, Democratic officials, and public figures across the state, with many calling her words offensive and out of step with Michigan values.

Audio recordings from the event, reported by The Detroit News, captured Johnsen making two references to Nazi Germany while addressing supporters. “We’re in desperate times. Nazi Germany. That’s where we are, guys,” Johnsen said. She further likened Michigan’s political environment to churches that turned a blind eye during the Holocaust, stating, “We cannot be the churches that played the music louder while all the Jews were hauled off to concentration camps.”

Johnsen’s comments have been condemned by state lawmakers, including Rep. Noah Arbit, D-West Bloomfield, who is Jewish. Arbit described the remarks as “a shocking insult to the memory of every single Jew murdered in the Holocaust.” Arbit added, “This extremist, white Christian nationalist ideology… is exactly what Michigan voters can expect if the Republican Party retakes the majority in the state House next month.”

Andy Shaver and MIGOP Leadership Silent Amid Outcry

While the comments have spurred fierce backlash, Andy Shaver, the GOP candidate for whom the rally was organized, has yet to publicly respond. Neither has the Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP) or its leadership taken steps to denounce Johnsen’s rhetoric, drawing further criticism from Democrats and community leaders who argue the silence reflects an alarming normalization of extremism within the party.

Johnsen’s statements are part of a broader pattern. Earlier this year, MIGOP officials compared Michigan’s gun safety reforms to Nazi actions, sparking similar outrage. Critics argue these comparisons show a troubling trend within certain GOP factions, highlighting their disconnect with Michigan residents and values.

Broader Implications as Election Nears

This incident underscores growing political polarization in Michigan, with accusations of extremism and offensive rhetoric fueling tensions as the state gears up for the November elections. The outcome of these elections will determine whether Republicans can regain control of the state House, and incidents like these are likely to shape voter perceptions heading into the polls.

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