LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Fresh off a decisive Trump victory in Michigan, the state GOP is already rolling up its sleeves to chart the course ahead. With current chair Pete Hoekstra packing his bags as Trump’s pick for U.S. Ambassador to Canada, the party is buzzing with names vying to claim his throne.
Leading the charge is State Sen. Jim Runestad of White Lake Township, who has officially tossed his hat in the ring with promises of “transparency” and a call to restore trust among Michigan conservatives.
Hello Michigan Republicans,
Today I am very excited to announce, in this short video, my candidacy for Michigan Republican Party Chair. I pledge to bring transparency, accountability, and integrity to this role. My commitment is to transform our party into a unified force that… pic.twitter.com/fUDCTLSDMR— Jim Runestad (@RunWithRunestad) November 22, 2024
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Also circling the waters are rumored contenders like political consultant Scott Greenlee, former MIGOP Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock and even ex-Chair Kristina Karamo, who infamously flamed out earlier this year.
But the stakes are clear: whoever grabs the gavel will have to wrangle the GOP’s diverse base, refill the war chest, and keep the Trump train steaming toward the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Democrats are left picking up the pieces.
On the other side of the aisle, Michigan Democrats are nursing their wounds after losing the state to Trump in November and watching their House majority crumble. Lavora Barnes, the party Chair since 2019, is bowing out, leaving Dems scrambling for leadership.
Barnes tried to spin the losses in her exit statement, saying the party held its ground, pointing to wins like Senator-elect Elissa Slotkin and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. But there’s no sugarcoating what happened. Michigan Democrats must now reckon with a weakened foundation as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 election campaign season.
Who will lead the Dems this time around?
So far, only Mark Ludwig of Allegan County, the Rural Caucus chair, has stepped up to the plate to officially run for the Chair of the state’s Democrat Party. Another possible contender according to media speculation could be former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing).
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Whether the Democrats can rebuild a winning coalition that doesn’t collapse under the weight of Trump’s populist surge remains to be seen.
Looking ahead: a party of action vs. a party in reaction.
For Michigan Republicans, the future currently looks red, bold, and brimming with opportunity. For Michigan Democrats, it’s looking like it could be a long, uphill climb back to relevance if Trump delivers on his promises including a recovered economy. As February conventions approach, both parties are betting the farm that their new leader will help bring them to victory in 2026.
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