Internal Chaos Threatens Michigan GOP Gains

“It’s kind of every candidate for themselves at this point.”

Kristina Karamo
Critics say party funds were badly mismanaged under Kristina Karamo’s leadership. Joey Cappelletti/AP

After suffering major losses in 2022, the Michigan GOP is poised to make significant gains in November, but prominent Republicans are worried internal fighting in the state party will throw them off track.

President Joe Biden lags in the polls there, Democrats have a tenuous hold on the Michigan House of Representatives, there’s a crucial open Senate seat and several close House swing districts the GOP would love to pick up. But abysmal fundraising and a high-burn rate, along with the recent ouster of GOP Chair Kristina Karamo, has left the party in an increasingly unstable position.

“It’s a sad state of affairs,” Rep. Bill Huizenga told NOTUS. “I grew up doing county party stuff. Before I could vote, I volunteered [at] my local party and the lack of effectiveness is going to potentially affect the election.”