Eli Savit, Democratic candidate for Michigan attorney general, is urging the state Legislature to revisit bans on bump stocks and ghost guns in 2027, highlighting public safety concerns and recent legislative hurdles.
Democratic attorney general candidate Eli Savit is urging Michigan lawmakers to renew efforts to ban bump stocks and ghost guns, calling such measures "common sense" steps to address gun violence. Savit, currently serving as Washtenaw County prosecutor, discussed his priorities during a roundtable event in Detroit on Friday with lawmakers and gun safety advocates.
Savit's comments come as the Michigan Legislature prepares for its next session, with gun policy expected to remain a divisive issue. He is running for attorney general against Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd, a Republican, in the November 3 general election. Neither candidate faced a primary challenger, setting up a direct contest for the state's top law enforcement position.
Legislative Priorities and Recent Efforts
Savit said he wants the Legislature to revisit bans on bump stocks and ghost guns, both of which passed the Democratic-led state Senate last year but stalled in the House. Republican House Speaker Matt Hall previously declared the measures "dead on arrival." Savit argued that these policies would help law enforcement and improve public safety, noting that ghost guns-unserialized firearms assembled from kits-are difficult to trace and complicate criminal investigations.
Bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic rifles to fire at rates similar to fully automatic weapons, have been a focus of national debate since their use in high-profile mass shootings. Savit described both bans as achievable goals for the next legislative session, provided there is sufficient political support.
Gun Laws and Community Safety
At the Detroit roundtable, Savit also voiced support for Michigan's existing safe storage, universal background check, and extreme risk protection order laws, which were enacted in 2023. He emphasized that while the Second Amendment is constitutionally protected, reasonable regulations are necessary to prevent gun violence and protect communities.
Savit advocated for dedicated state funding for community violence prevention programs, arguing that intervention before crimes occur is more effective than relying solely on law enforcement after the fact. He pointed to his record as Washtenaw County prosecutor, where he said convictions for gun-related offenses have been secured, and encouraged critics to review the outcomes of those cases.
Political Opposition and Crime Trends
Doug Lloyd and other Republicans have criticized Savit as "soft on crime," citing his policies as prosecutor, including ending cash bail and decriminalizing certain nonviolent offenses. Recent reporting by The Detroit News highlighted a 2025 incident in which Savit declined to file charges after emergency workers discovered 500 pounds of black-market marijuana in Ypsilanti Township, drawing further criticism from opponents.
Savit has defended his approach, arguing that focusing on community-based prevention and targeted prosecution of violent offenders is more effective than broad punitive measures. He noted that overall crime in Michigan has declined over the past five years, with violent crime in Washtenaw County dropping from 578 incidents in 2023 to 275 so far in 2026, including 303 firearm offenses during that period.
What Comes Next
With the November election approaching, the future of Michigan's gun laws may depend on which party controls the Legislature and the attorney general's office. Both Democrats and Republicans are vying for "trifecta" control of state government, which would allow them to advance their legislative priorities without opposition from the other party. For now, Savit is making gun safety and community violence prevention central themes of his campaign, while his opponent emphasizes strict enforcement of existing laws.
The Giffords PAC, a national gun safety advocacy group, recently endorsed Savit, describing him as "a strong gun safety champion." The outcome of the attorney general race and the legislative session will determine whether proposed bans on bump stocks and ghost guns move forward in Michigan.
In Michigan, changes to gun laws require approval from both legislative chambers and the governor's signature. The next legislative session will begin in early 2027, with the composition of the House and Senate determined by the results of the November 2026 elections.
