It's Just Politics

On the heels of Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow’s decision to drop out of the U.S. Senate race, leading contenders in the Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed met up in a televised debate last night that was Michiganders’ first look at how the candidates stack up directly against each other.   Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to...

It looks more and more likely that lawmakers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer will not pass a state budget by the July 1st statutory deadline. What comes next? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganr...

Michigan Senate Democrats propose new data center regulations. What would the bills do and could they actually become law?  by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystud...

The clock is ticking on Michigan's state budget, and there's growing skepticism lawmakers won’t meet the July 1 deadline.  by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omn...

A big union endorsement, millions in outside spending, and a three-way Democratic fight that's only getting tougher . Michigan's open U.S. Senate race is quickly becoming one of the country's most closely watched contests. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more wor...

Former speechwriter Chai Karve shares how he crafted speeches for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and why political speeches still matter in the digital age. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganradio...

New polling shows Governor Whitmer’s enduring popularity, deep voter frustration with the two-party system, and growing anxiety over inflation, jobs, and the state’s economic future heading into Election 2026. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work...

As Michigan’s race for governor heats up, candidates are finally taking part in forums, scheduling debates, and sharpening their campaign messages. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganradi...

Criminal charges tied to a controversial $20 million state grant and renewed battles over petition signatures in Michigan’s governor’s race. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganradio...

In Michigan’s much-watched open 35th Senate district special election, Democrat Chedrick Greene wins the Mid-Michigan race as Dems hold onto their Senate majority. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: htt...

  Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin makes headlines with a visit to Iowa, big campaign funds boost Mike Rogers, and what’s up with John James gubernatorial campaign. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show...

Calling the state capitol “one of the most dysfunctional places” in America, Democratic State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the pod for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Lansing by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Don...

We are two months away from the special election that will determine the functional make-up of the state Senate. The 35th Senate district election is an important race that has folks in Lansing wondering what comes next. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work...

Can former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan win Michigan’s governor race as an independent? We break down his rise, Michigan’s swing voters, and the possible shake-up of two-party politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate no...

A ballot proposal to tax the wealthy folds, Michigan’s “fake electors” threaten a lawsuit, and could future primary election dates change? It’s a Lansing roundup edition of It’s Just Politics . by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more wo...

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to repeal the state’s new, controversial 24% wholesale marijuana tax, even as the cannabis industry challenges it in court. An update on all things weed in Michigan. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like t...

 A new Michigan poll reveals where voters stand on data centers, the 2026 governor’s race, and how the state compares nationally on key economic measures. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://...

What’s in the proof-of-citizenship and voter ID ballot proposal, and what is the state of the state budget as Governor Whitmer prepares for her final State of the State address. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support...

An inside look at the proposals aiming for Michigan’s November ballot - from property taxes and school funding to voter ID and minimum wage - and where the campaigns stand now. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support...

Michigan bans smartphones in classrooms starting next school year - what the new bipartisan law does and doesn’t do. Plus, Perry Johnson on entering the GOP primary for governor, Trump, and his pitch to voters. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Su...

Michigan’s U.S. Senate race draws national attention as Democrats face a competitive primary and a key state Senate race in the 35th District could have big consequences in Lansing. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michig...

What the surprising Detroit News deal means for Michigan journalism. Plus a breakdown of the high-stakes 35th Senate District special election. Plus, voters head into a pivotal 35th Senate District race. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? ...

Michigan Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall discusses his 2026 policy priorities, independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan and support for a Constitutional Convention. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support t...

Politics in Michigan just got more interesting as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist changes statewide races. Plus a conversation with the Michigan Senate Majority Leader on what can actually get done this year in Lansing with divided government.  by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics news...

Big elections. Bigger fights. And maybe a rewritten state constitution? A look ahead to a pivotal year in Michigan politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the  It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this?  Donate now ! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.c...