OK, NEXT
Well Democrats, the fat lady sang. All that’s left in Michigan and around the country is to analyze the 2024 election and pick up the election signs. Next up: the 2026 election and with that, all of Michigan’s top elected administrative officials’ terms expire, allowing for opportunities for new faces and prognostications on both sides of the aisle. The big Kahuna is the gubernatorial race, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term limited. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has unofficially let it be known to her loyalists and followers that she is definitely running for the state’s top spot, and while many Democratic insiders are whispering they would like Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II to consider running for mayor of Detroit – or some other top race. Word is he is determined to move up the ladder to the governor’s mansion but some say his chances of winning pale in comparison to others likely to jump into the race. As for the mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan is still leaving everyone guessing by recently announcing he would not be seeking a fourth term as the top dog in the city. No mention whatsoever about future plans. While there are questions if a Detroit politician can make the leap to a statewide office, a political strategist noted, “Any statewide race takes place in southeast Michigan – in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.” Michigan transplant and former South Bend, IN mayor Pete Buttigieg, who is the outgoing Secretary of Transportation, is rumored to be considering a primary run as well. One local political observer pooh-poohed Buttigieg, with the classic tropes of “carpetbagger,” among other issues, while acknowledging his political bona fides and ability to speak up for Democrats of all stripes on national media. One politico warned “he’d get his ass kicked unequivocally.” As for Republicans, after eight years in the political wilderness, speculation is rife that Congressman John James (R-Shelby Township, Macomb County), who won his second term decisively, is looking for a new challenge. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Romeo, northern Oakland and Macomb counties, Lapeer County, Michigan Thumb) is possibly considering testing the waters – but she was just elected the House GOP conference chair, replacing Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who may well join the new administration as UN Ambassador. That makes McClain number four in the House pecking order, behind House Leader Mike Johnson (R-LA).One sure candidate? Perennial Republican politician Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Township, who told fellow partygoers at a recent Halloween party at Birmingham’s Bella Piatti that he’s definitely running for governor, will have President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement, and is planning on putting in $25 million of his own money into the race. Of course, with the governor post as fair game in two years, the flood gates have opened on other possible GOP hopefuls who might file, among the names circulating in the speculation game: Kevin Rinke, auto and other industries millionaire; Tom Leonard, former state lawmaker and twice-failed AG contender; Mike Cox, former AG and past candidate for governor; Sandy Pensler, venture capitalist and one-time U.S. Senate contender; and Tudor Dixon, who tried in 2022 for governor. On the latter, MIRS news service has reported that in a recent poll of possible contenders, Dixon came out on top by a very (VERY) wide margin.
