Allies of Former Michigan GOP Chair Continue Fight for Control Despite Setbacks
Lansing— Despite legal defeats, the loss of Donald Trump’s endorsement, and the withdrawal of support from the Republican National Committee, supporters of former Michigan Republican Party chairwoman Kristina Karamo are adamant about gaining control of the GOP. Concerns are rising within the party about the potential overshadowing of an upcoming gathering of hundreds of Republicans in Grand Rapids, where the allocation of national convention delegates for the presidential race will be voted upon.
Lingering Leadership Dispute May Disrupt Republican Conventions
With the leadership dispute lasting six months, there are worries that the ongoing feud could cause complications and distractions in the Republican Party’s caucuses in Grand Rapids this Saturday. On Thursday, in a blow to Karamo’s plans, the Michigan Court of Appeals refused to intervene in the dispute, effectively rendering Karamo’s planned GOP caucuses in Detroit meaningless.
Credit: David Guralnick, The Detroit News
Caption: Michigan Republicans elected Kristina Karamo as chairwoman in February 2023.
Karamo swiftly appealed the Kent County Circuit Court judge’s decision that revoked her chairwoman status, but the appeal was denied by Court of Appeals Judge Brock Swartzle on Thursday. Karamo’s lawyer expressed concerns over the chaos injected by the recent rulings, pointing to the need for significant administrative changes in the party.
Todd Gillman, a Republican from Lenawee County, predicts that Karamo’s faction will continue to attempt the removal of Pete Hoekstra from the chairman position. Gillman refers to her supporters as “hardcore fanatics.”
Two Conventions and the Battle for Legitimacy
Prior to this latest ruling against Karamo, both she and Hoekstra—the current chairman—asserted their legitimacy as party leader. Consequently, they had planned rival presidential caucuses to decide the allocation of 39 Michigan delegates for the Republican National Convention. Hoekstra’s event is already scheduled for 10 a.m. in Grand Rapids. Although Karamo’s convention in Detroit was deemed void, her supporters continue to claim it will proceed.
Credit: Katy Kildee, The Detroit News
Caption: Former Congressman Pete Hoekstra waits to hear from former President Donald Trump during a rally on Feb. 17, 2024.
There are doubts about the Detroit caucuses and uncertainty surrounding the representation of counties favoring Karamo, as they did not submit delegate lists for Hoekstra’s caucuses. It is unknown whether Karamo, herself, will be able to attend the Grand Rapids caucuses as she is not on Oakland County’s delegate list.
Republicans Call for Removing Hoekstra Amidst Chaos
A petition has emerged within the Republican party, calling for a vote to remove Pete Hoekstra and Co-Chairwoman Malinda Pego. To force the vote, at least half of the party’s state committee members, totaling about 107, will need to sign the petition. Hoekstra, dismissed the petition, stating his commitment to party preparation for the November elections will not be affected.
Grand Rapids Caucuses and Delegate Lists
On Saturday, 13 congressional district caucuses will convene in Grand Rapids, determining the allocation of 39 delegates to the national convention, providing substantial influence. These caucuses hold more power over delegate allocation than the recently held presidential primary. Donald Trump is expected to be a strong contender for the majority of the 39 delegates.
Mark Forton, chairman of the Macomb County Republican Party, expressed his disappointment over the competing events, placing greater importance on Trump over Hoekstra or Karamo.
As counties submitted their delegate lists, some chose Hoekstra’s event, while others favored Karamo’s. Roughly 25 counties did not submit delegate lists for Hoekstra’s caucuses, leading to doubts about their representation in Grand Rapids.
Republican political consultant, Jason Cabel Roe, dismissed the importance of Karamo’s Detroit convention, deeming it irrelevant to the resulting outcome. Roe considers the ongoing dispute to be nothing more than nonsensical.
Contact the author at cmauger@detroitnews.com.
