Don't vote for the ching-chong!': Things get very racist in Michigan state Senate election

A Michigan state representative has apologized after making numerous racist comments about her opponent in a Democratic state Senate primary during Tuesday's election, according to the Metro Times.

Rep. Bettie Cook Scott (D-Detroit), a black woman, reportedly insulted her Asian-American opponent, Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), on several occasions.

"These comments are offensive to all Asian-Americans," Chang told the Metro Times. "It isn't about me. It's about an elected official disrespecting entire populations, whether they be Asian-American, immigrant, or residents of Senate District 1 or [Scott's] own current house district."

What did Scott say?

According to the Metro Times, Scott called one of Chang's volunteers an immigrant and told the person "You don't belong here, I want you out of my country" on Tuesday morning.

Later that day, Scott was talking to a voter and said "these immigrants from China are coming over and taking our community from us." She also added that she is disgusted by "seeing black people holding signs for these Asians and not supporting their own people."

Then, in the evening, she was heard telling voters not to vote for the "ching-chang," and "Vote for me, don't vote for the ching-chong!" She also allegedly doubled down on the comments, telling one of Chang's staffers "I called them ching-chongs. That's what they are!"

Scott issues apology

After widespread condemnation from Chang, the state Democratic Party, and voters, Scott (who finished third in the primary) apologized:

"I humbly apologize to Rep. Chang, her husband, Mr. Gray, and to the broader Asian-American community for these disparaging remarks. In the divisive age we find ourselves in, I should not contribute further to that divisiveness. I have reached out to Rep. Chang to meet with her so that I may apologize to her in person. I pray she and the Asian-American community can find it in their hearts to forgive me."

Chang defeated Scott in the primary 49 percent to 11 percent, and is reportedly favored in the general election.