CRYSTAL BALL

One thing is certain about Congressman John James (R-Sterling Heights, Warren and a small part of Oakland) – he has determined he will not be taking on a third whack at the Senatorial tree in 2024 when Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) retires. He recently announced he would not run for the seat. He told the Associated Press that his focus on his current House district “has been unwavering,” and that he will be running once again for that seat. A Republican strongly giving it a look-see, according to a Republican honcho, is former Congressman Peter Meijer (R-Grand Rapids). The one-term congressman spent the first part of his tenure enduring the January 6 insurrection and then voting to impeach former President Donald Trump, and Trump then returned the favor in 2022, endorsing his MAGA opponent, ensuring his loss, and ultimately, flipping the seat Democrat. “Meijer is seriously considering it. He’s very ethical. I think enough are getting fed up with Trump. But he has to go through a primary first,” the politico said. Nikki Snyder, a Republican member of the State Board of Education who announced she was running for Senate in February, “doesn’t stand a chance,” said the same Republican. “She’s crazy. She thinks she can win a statewide campaign because she was on a statewide ballot for board of education. But that’s downballot and only Republicans voted for her.” Rumors still abound that state Senator and former Secretary of State and Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson (R-Groveland Township), Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Bruce Township) and even failed gubernatorial candidate and former auto dealer Kevin Rinke of Bloomfield Township are considering runs.