LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – While the Michigan GOP seems quiet heading into the 2026 election cycle, others are stepping up. In June 2025, the billionaire DeVos family pledged millions to the new Michigan Forward Network, a 501(c)(4) led by former RNC Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel, aimed at turning Michigan into a solid Republican stronghold.

The group plans to rebuild conservative infrastructure with a focus on retaking the state senate and defending the House. Backed by Dick and Betsy DeVos, the network plans to form a permanent campaign machine ahead of the crucial 2026 elections.

MORE NEWS: UPDATE: Sheriff Provides Update on Walmart Stabbing Suspect, Praises Citizens Who Detained Suspect

Dick DeVos said, “I love my home state, and if you care about Michigan’s future, you cannot sit idly by and watch its decline.” Despite speculation, Michigan Forward says it’s not replacing the GOP – but working alongside it as well as other organizations to advance conservative goals statewide.

Local parties have heavy lifting to do.

With the state party still seemingly MIA as we reported in part one of this editorial, much of the heavy lifting may end up falling on the shoulders of county-level Republican organizations and grassroots volunteers. If Michigan is going to avoid a Democrat sweep, it may be up to local GOP leaders to recruit candidates, organize campaigns, and knock doors themselves – without much help from the top. Local parties like the Grand Traverse County Republican Party are sending out newsletters full of information including event and fundraising news, as well as state and national news concerning President Trump.

President Trump lends a hand.

President Trump himself has also jumped into the Michigan elections by officially endorsing former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan’s 2026 Senate race. He did so on Thursday, July 24 with a Truth Social post, calling Rogers an “America First Patriot” and pledging that he “will not let you down.”

This came just a day after potential senate candidate U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga announced he would not run, following a meeting with the president last week in which he was urged to stay in the U.S. House to help maintain the Republicans’ razor-thin majority. This clears the field for Rogers moving ahead without having to deal with a contentious primary.

Trump also endorsed Huizenga for his reelection bid for the 4th congressional district.

During his 2024 Senate campaign to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Rogers came up just short, losing to Democrat Elissa Slotkin by fewer than 20,000 votes. Now, he’s back in the race – this time aiming for the open seat left by Senator Gary Peters. On the Democratic side, the primary field this time around includes State Senator Mallory McMorrow, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, former state health director Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and former House Speaker Joe Tate.