FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 4, 2025 

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Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Representative Fred Durhal Jr. 

LANSING, Mich. -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, December 5 to honor and remember former state Representative Fred Durhal Jr. The flag lowering will coincide with the date of the funeral. 

"Representative Fred Durhal Jr. was a committed public servant who fought hard for the city of Detroit,” said Governor Whitmer. “Whether it was serving his constituents in the Michigan House of Representatives or making change as the Director of the Michigan Democratic Party, Fred always worked hard to make Michiganders’ lives better. He was also a loving father to six children. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”    

Former state Representative Fred Durhal Jr. was raised in Detroit where he graduated from Northwestern High School. Later, he attended Wayne State University, Wayne County Community College District, and the University of Phoenix where he majored in Political Science and Government Administration. 

Durhal began his career in public service in 2002 when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. Durhal served three and half terms, making him the last "Dean" (highest seniority) member of the legislature. In addition to his time in the legislature, Durhal was a committed public servant who served in multiple roles to improve Michiganders’ lives. He was the first Black Political Director of the Michigan State Democratic Party as well as Executive Director, and later Chairman, of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.  

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Fred Durhal Jr. by lowering flags to half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.  

Flags should be returned to full staff on Saturday, December 6, 2025. 

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