Michigan Politics
27 storiesTypical coverage includes legislative updates, policy analysis, committee and agency reporting and state political explainers, with attention to state appointments and state agency oversight. In Michigan Politics, follow-up centers on the next verifiable decision or milestone.
Masculinity Debates Shape Michigan Senate Race Between El-Sayed and Rogers
Personal attacks over masculinity and high school football have taken center stage in Michigan's 2026 U.S. Senate race, as Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers trade barbs while voters weigh issues from health care to inflation.
Fact Check: Did John James Vote to Raise Health Costs in Michigan?
As Michigan's gubernatorial race heats up, claims about U.S. Rep. John James' voting record on healthcare costs have become a central issue, with both campaigns pointing to recent legislation and premium increases affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
JD Vance Rallies Michigan GOP, Criticizes El-Sayed in Senate Race
Vice President JD Vance visited Sterling Heights to support Michigan Republican candidates and challenge Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, as the state's high-profile Senate race intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterms
Michigan Faces Urgent Calls to Address Statewide Education Gaps
Michigan's education system is under scrutiny as student literacy and math proficiency rates lag behind national averages, prompting renewed debate over state policies and urgent proposals for reform.
El-Sayed Issues Apology to Michigan Jewish Democrats After Synagogue Attack
Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, apologized to the state's Jewish Democratic Caucus for remarks made after a March synagogue attack, aiming to address concerns and move past recent controversies ahead of the general election
Michigan Group Appeals to Supreme Court Over Blocked Voter ID Ballot
A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment requiring photo ID for all voters was blocked from the November ballot after a state board deadlocked. The group behind the initiative is now seeking urgent intervention from the Michigan Supreme Court.
Michigan Democrats Face Internal Divisions Ahead of November Election
As Michigan Democrats prepare for the November election, lingering disputes from a contentious Senate primary are complicating efforts to focus on economic issues and challenge Republican candidates statewide.
Aging Homes Challenge Michigan's Efforts to Expand Housing Supply
Michigan's median home was built in 1973, making the state's housing stock among the oldest in the nation. As officials work to address a shortage of nearly 97,000 homes, aging properties present costly barriers for buyers and complicate new construction.
Michigan Senate Race Intensifies as Rogers and El-Sayed Campaign
Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are stepping up campaign events across Michigan, with both candidates preparing for an October debate that could shape the state's representation in the U.S. Senate.
Mike Rogers Refines Senate Campaign, Seeks Broader Michigan Support
Mike Rogers is making a second bid for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, emphasizing bipartisan credentials and outreach to Democrats after a narrow 2024 loss. The campaign now targets key issues like education, housing, and affordability.
Michigan Education Leaders Urge State to Reject Federal Voucher Plan
Education experts in Michigan are calling on state officials to opt out of a proposed federal voucher program, warning it could destabilize public schools and divert resources from students and educators across the state.
Michigan GOP Finalizes 2026 Ticket, Focuses on State Issues
Michigan Republicans nominated Jay DeBoyer as lieutenant governor alongside John James at their Mount Pleasant convention, emphasizing opposition to Democratic policies and outlining priorities for the 2026 election cycle.
Michigan Candidates Split on Future of Line 5 Pipeline
The fate of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac could shift after November's elections, as Michigan's next governor, attorney general, and U.S. senator may set new legal and policy directions for the controversial project
Michigan's Line 5 Pipeline Future Uncertain After Court Ruling
Michigan's Line 5 pipeline remains in limbo as legal battles and permit reviews continue. Recent court decisions have blocked tunnel construction, leaving the pipeline's fate unresolved for residents and businesses across the state.
Key Issues Shape Michigan Senate Race Between Rogers and El-Sayed
Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat has sparked a high-stakes contest between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, with voters focused on health care, affordability, and the candidates' ties to national figures ahead of the November election
Jocelyn Benson Selects Winnie Brinks as Running Mate for Michigan Governor
Jocelyn Benson has named Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate in the 2026 Michigan governor's race, bringing legislative experience and a west Michigan connection to the Democratic ticket ahead of the November election.
Michigan Voters to Decide on Utility Political Donation Ban in November
A statewide ballot proposal could bar major utilities and large state contractors from making political donations in Michigan, raising questions about free speech and campaign finance rules ahead of the November 3 election.
Michigan Voter Citizenship Proposal Falls Short of Ballot Access
A proposal to require proof of citizenship and stricter voter ID rules in Michigan is unlikely to appear on the November ballot after state officials found it lacked enough valid signatures, leaving only two statewide questions for voters this fall
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Behavioral Health Transport Reform
New bipartisan bills in Michigan aim to create a statewide system for behavioral health transportation, offering safer, more cost-effective options for residents in crisis and reducing strain on emergency services
Fact Check: Michigan Senate Race Heats Up Over Football, Fireworks Claims
Republican Mike Rogers accuses Democrat Abdul El-Sayed of opposing Michigan traditions like football and fireworks, but a closer look shows some comments were taken out of context as the Senate campaign intensifies after the August 4 primary
Michigan AG Candidate Eli Savit Calls for Bans on Bump Stocks, Ghost Guns
Eli Savit, Democratic candidate for Michigan attorney general, is urging the state Legislature to revisit bans on bump stocks and ghost guns in 2027, highlighting public safety concerns and recent legislative hurdles.
Oakland County Approves $1.5M for Ferndale Planned Parenthood Clinic
Oakland County commissioners have allocated up to $1.5 million to support Planned Parenthood's Ferndale clinic, ensuring continued reproductive health services after closures in Livonia and Warren. The funding extends operations through August 2028.
John James Selects Jay DeBoyer as Running Mate for Michigan Governor
Michigan gubernatorial candidate John James has named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his pick for lieutenant governor. The selection, if confirmed, would mark a shift in the Michigan GOP's statewide ticket ahead of the November 3 general election.
Whitmer Opposes Consumers Energy Plan to Sell 13 Michigan Dams
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally objected to Consumers Energy's proposed sale of 13 hydropower dams to a private equity firm, warning the deal could shift long-term safety and financial risks onto Michigan taxpayers if approved.
Michigan Lawmakers Push for More Transparency at Public Universities
A 1999 Michigan Supreme Court ruling allows public university boards to make most decisions privately. Lawmakers and advocates are now seeking constitutional changes to require open meetings and greater accountability for how $1.8 billion in state funds are spent.
Michigan Allocates $150M for One-Time Educator Bonuses in 2026
Michigan public schools will distribute $150 million in one-time bonuses to educators and staff this year, with amounts determined by local districts and unions. The payments aim to offset rising costs as leaders debate long-term solutions.
Trump Administration Targets Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Race
The White House and national Republicans have launched direct attacks on Abdul El-Sayed after his Democratic primary win in Michigan, signaling the high stakes of the upcoming Senate race against GOP candidate Mike Rogers.