It's Just Politics

As more than 1,500 business leaders, lawmakers, lobbyists and philanthropists meet on Mackinac Island for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, new election 2026 polling is released.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was in the news quite a bit this week - for all the wrong reasons. Plus, the political volleying over economic incentives for big business continues in Michigan.

Join Michigan Public’s It's Just Politics team of Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta in Lansing for our next Issues & Ale on June 4, 2025. They'll speak with a bipartisan panel of lawmakers.

A ballot campaign wants to make Michigan a ranked choice voting state; plus nearly 800 earmark requests from state House lawmakers totaling an estimated $4 billion are made public.

The takeaway from conversations with 100 Michiganders on where things stand politically and Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his run for governor in 2026.

President Donald Trump takes preemptive legal action against state climate change lawsuits and Attorney General Dana Nessel’s unrestrained reply. Plus, Governor Gretchen Whitmer says her political approach with Trump is showing results.

A Michigan ballot campaign that would require residents to show proof of citizenship while registering to vote could start collecting signatures soon. Plus, a conversation with Democratic candidate for governor Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

The Republican-led Michigan House Oversight Committee authorizes a rare subpoena targeting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Plus, former Republican Attorney General Mike Cox announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.

Lawmakers are heading back to the state Capitol from their spring recess after the first three months of divided power in Lansing. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at what was done in the first 90 days. Plus, Republican Congressman John James announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.

Nine bills passed in last session’s legislature remain in legislative limbo as House Republicans defy a court ruling to send the bills to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign or veto. Plus, the latest on Trump’s “Liberation Day.”