Michigan Republicans Set to Elect New Chair Amidst Turmoil and Key Upcoming Elections
DETROIT (AP) — Michigan Republicans are gearing up for a pivotal moment this Saturday as they gather in Detroit to elect a new party chair. This decision comes at a crucial time, with the 2026 midterms on the horizon and several key races, including a highly contested U.S. Senate seat, at stake. After a few rocky years marked by internal strife, the party is looking to chart a new course.
Who’s in the Running?
Three candidates are vying for the party chair position, each bringing their own unique backgrounds and challenges. The most prominent contender is Meshawn Maddock, a MAGA activist and former party co-chair who has strong ties to former President Donald Trump. However, Maddock is currently facing eight charges related to forgery and conspiracy in a case involving alleged false electors from the 2020 election. She has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and is confident they will be dropped. Just days before the election, Trump threw his support behind Maddock, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the race.
State Senator Jim Runestad is also in the mix, boasting over a decade of experience in the state legislature. He’s known for his steady approach and could appeal to party members looking for stability. Rounding out the candidates is Joseph Cella, a former Trump ambassador to several Pacific island nations, who brings a diplomatic background to the table.
The False Elector Controversy
The backdrop to this election is the ongoing fallout from the 2020 election, where 15 Michigan Republicans are accused of attempting to falsely claim they were presidential electors for Trump, despite Joe Biden’s victory in the state. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged these individuals with multiple counts of forgery and conspiracy, alleging they signed a document at a December 2020 meeting that falsely declared them the state’s “duly elected and qualified electors.” The legitimacy of their actions has been hotly debated, with the defendants maintaining they did nothing illegal. As the party prepares for its leadership transition, the implications of this case loom large.
What’s at Stake for Michigan?
Michigan is poised to be a battleground in the 2026 midterms, with Democrats eager to reclaim control of the U.S. House and Senate. The recent announcement by Democratic U.S. Senator Gary Peters that he will not seek reelection has opened the door for a competitive race, drawing attention from both sides of the aisle. Former Congressman Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in 2024, is expected to run again, while names like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also being floated as potential candidates.
Additionally, with Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer term-limited, the race for her replacement is heating up, alongside contests for the state House and Senate, as well as key statewide offices like attorney general and secretary of state. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the new Republican chair will need to navigate these challenges effectively.
A Party in Transition
The Republican Party in Michigan is still reeling from a tumultuous period that began with a controversial convention vote. The grassroots movement that brought in former chair Kristiana Karamo, who famously denied the 2020 election results, has left the party in a precarious financial position. After a series of missteps, including dwindling funds, national Republicans and Trump himself intervened, leading to the appointment of former congressman Pete Hoekstra as interim chair. However, Hoekstra is not seeking the position again, as he has been nominated to serve as ambassador to Canada.
Democrats Making Moves Too
While Republicans are focused on their leadership election, Democrats are also making strides across town. Former state lawmaker Curtis Hertel Jr. is expected to be selected as the new chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. Hertel, who recently ran for the U.S. House but fell short, is poised to lead the party as they gear up for the upcoming elections.
As both parties prepare for a critical election cycle, the decisions made this weekend in Detroit could have lasting implications for Michigan’s political landscape. With so much at stake, all eyes will be on the results of the chair elections and the strategies that follow.
