Hertel, Runestad win chair races as Michigan Republicans reject Trump pick
DETROIT — Michigan Democrats and Republicans convened in downtown Detroit on Saturday afternoon to select new leaders, even as both parties grappled with internal divisions.
Democrats selected Curtis Hertel Jr. a former state legislator and congressional candidate, to serve as chair. Republicans chose Jim Runestad, a sitting state senator, even though President Donald Trump had endorsed another candidate.
The stakes are high for both parties at the onset of the 2026 election cycle. There will be open races for US Senate, governor, attorney general and secretary of state — posts all currently held by Democrats.
“We're going to be refocusing … towards every race,” Hertel said, vowing “organizers on the ground earlier in the year and getting back to a working people's agenda” with the ambition of regaining the trifecta Democrats lost when the GOP reclaimed control of the state House in 2024.
https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/hertel-runestad-win-chair-races-michigan-republicans-reject-trump-pick