Michigan Republicans elect Jim Runestad as new party chair amid challenges
- Michigan Republicans and Democrats held conventions in Detroit to elect new party chairs for the 2026 midterms.
- Jim Runestad was elected as the new chair for the Republicans, aiming to unite the party after a challenging period.
- The outcome of these elections is crucial as it could influence the balance of power in Congress.
In Detroit, Michigan, both Republican and Democratic parties held conventions on February 22, 2025, to elect new chairs that will lead them into the crucial 2026 midterms. For the Republicans, the newly elected chair is State Sen. Jim Runestad, who successfully garnered enough delegate votes after two rounds of voting despite criticisms regarding his dual responsibilities between the party leadership and his legislative role. His election comes after the tumultuous tenure of former chair Kristina Karamo, whose leadership saw significant financial decline within the party. Karamo’s leadership was marked by internal strife and controversies related to the false elector case from the 2020 election, which included charges against former officials. Runestad, however, is optimistic about uniting the party and moving forward without resigning from his legislative duties, emphasizing the reduced time commitment due to the party's minority status in the Senate. Meanwhile, the Democrats selected Curtis Hertel Jr. as their chair, aiming to ensure clear strategies for upcoming elections, particularly with an open U.S. Senate seat following Democratic Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek reelection. Both parties now focus on the critical task of mobilizing their bases ahead of the elections, with the outcome potentially impacting control of Congress and the future of Trump’s political agenda.