Who’s voting?

This isn’t a typical primary. The decisions will be made by party delegates – largely precinct delegates and at-large party insiders – selected through county conventions held in February. These delegates will cast votes on behalf of their counties and congressional districts, with no proxy voting allowed and a heavy emphasis on grassroots representation.

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Delegates are typically GOP activists and long-time party volunteers, a dynamic that can give “outsider” candidates an edge at conventions – but in the end, they still have to balance that enthusiasm with a practical assessment of electability and who stands the strongest chance against Democratic opponents in November.

While there’s no fixed headcount, Michigan GOP endorsement conventions are typically decided by roughly 2,000 delegates drawn from across the state. Not all of them stay for every round of voting – so totals can shift – but in the end, a few thousand engaged party activists, not millions of voters, are the ones effectively shaping the GOP’s statewide ticket.

Who’s on the ballot?

Delegates will vote for candidates for several high-profile statewide positions, including Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Michigan Supreme Court justices, along with education and university board seats.

Bios and campaign pitches have been circulated to delegates ahead of time and candidates have been engaging delegates online and in person. Some races are expected to be quite competitive, and with multiple candidates vying for endorsement and potentially triggering multiple rounds of voting.

Runestad’s game plan: start early, win early.

MIGOP Chair Jim Runestad has pitched the early convention as a strategic advantage. “We are taking the fight to the Democrats early,” he said. “This convention is about unity, preparation, and ensuring that by the time the primary season arrives, the Michigan Republican Party is a fully synchronized political machine ready to win.”

Unity or circus?

Officially, Runestad is pitching the convention as a show of unity and forward momentum. In reality, it’s also a test of whether Michigan Republicans can rally behind a unified slate – or fall back into the kind of factional infighting that defined past conventions, particularly during the Kristina Karamo era, when competing wings of the party pushed sharply different agendas and candidates.