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U-M Regent Jordan Acker Faces Backlash Over Obscene Messages

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jordan Acker, a University of Michigan regent, faces backlash after obscene messages attributed to him surfaced, containing sexual comments about a Democratic strategist and a female student.
The messages were shared with the Guardian just before a contentious primary election for U-M board seats, highlighting tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian candidates.
The implications for endorsements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Mallory McMorrow remain uncertain as the election approaches.

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Story summary

Jordan Acker, a University of Michigan regent, faces backlash after obscene messages attributed to him surfaced, containing sexual comments about a Democratic strategist and a female student.
The messages were shared with the Guardian just before a contentious primary election for U-M board seats, highlighting tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian candidates.
The implications for endorsements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Mallory McMorrow remain uncertain as the election approaches.