Democrat Lawmaker Arrives Late, Attacks Credibility of Black Witness Who Claims Vote Was Stolen in Detroit
A stunning display of arrogance and political bias unfolded during a Michigan House Election Integrity Committee hearing this week as freshman Democrat Rep. Mae Xiong belatedly arrived—only to immediately question the credibility of a Black man alleging serious voter fraud.
John F. Kennedy, a former Detroit resident who moved to Roseville, MI, testified under oath that he has never voted in an election, yet records show someone has voted in his name at least three times since he moved. His story was backed by “living affidavits” from others with similar experiences—witnesses gathered by longtime Detroit activist Ramon Jackson and joined by Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, known nationwide for delivering the powerful benediction at President Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
But Rep. Xiong, who showed up over 10 minutes late, didn’t seem interested in truth or testimony. After barely settling into her seat, she cast doubt on Kennedy’s statement and accused him of not being “credible”, implying his affidavit and direct testimony weren’t to be taken seriously.
“If this is a serious allegation you’re making, I’m curious why you didn’t go to the authorities,” Xiong said, dismissing the sworn statement as if it were a casual complaint.
As the hearing continued, Xiong appeared disinterested and disengaged, shuffling papers and checking her phone rather than listening to more powerful witness testimony. Her disrespect didn’t go unnoticed — particularly as she sought to compare herself online to controversial Rep. Jasmine Crockett, after Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall referred to her as a “low IQ individual.”
If Rep. Xiong thought the comparison would win her sympathy, it backfired. Online polls and reactions ripped into her behavior, especially her attempt to smear a Black voter fraud victim instead of investigating the alarming claims being presented.
Committee Chair Rachelle Smit, by contrast, maintained poise throughout the hearing and pressed forward with seriousness and focus. She made it clear that election integrity—particularly in urban strongholds like Detroit—must be taken seriously, regardless of political affiliation.
“Every American should want the freest and fairest elections possible,” Smit emphasized, as Rep. Xiong’s conduct made the stakes clearer than ever: Some lawmakers seem more committed to covering up election vulnerabilities than exposing them.
