It's Just Politics
Weekly
Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they drill down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.
The Latest from It's Just Politics
Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State address this week and tacked to the political center; plus, a judge rules in the state Legislature’s nine bills case, and Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s address to the nation next week.
On the Podcast
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Candidate websiteAfter nearly six years, Lavora Barnes is stepping down as chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. After a very disappointing 2024 for Democrats, a new party leader is going to have a lot to manage. But that doesn't appear to be diminishing Curtis Hertel's interest in the job. -
Joey Cappelletti/The Associated PressWhat does it mean that an election-denier is the new head of the Michigan Republican Party?
Elsewhere on Michigan Public
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CanvaThe special state House committee formed to amend Michigan’s tipped wage and sick-time leave laws meets for the first time this week in Lansing. The chair of the committee, Republican Representative Bill G. Schuette, joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his goals for the bills. -
New and returning lawmakers of the Michigan House were sworn-in today at the state Capitol, marking the beginning of Michigan’s new 103rd Legislature. The state Senate remains under Democratic control but the state House is now being run by Republicans. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect when you’re expecting divided government. Hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Michigan Public Radio Network’s Colin Jackson and Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons.
More from It's Just Politics
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Jocelyn Benson announces her run for governor, the state House passes legislation to change the state’s tipped wage and sick time leave laws and state Senate Dems authorize a lawsuit to release bills from last year’s chaotic lame-duck legislative session. -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore what Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in her big speech this week at the Detroit Auto Show (and why she said it now). Plus, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt throws his hat in the ring for Michigan governor in 2026, and the latest changes to Michigan’s tipped wage and sick time leave laws. -
The 103rd Michigan Legislature is underway with a handover of authority in the Michigan House to Republicans and a strong signal of how the new majority plans to manage its power. -
In a special edition of the It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at five political stories that will make headlines in Michigan in 2025. From a new divided legislature to fights over who will lead the Republican and Democratic parties in Michigan, the It’s Just Politics team breaks it all down. -
A new Congress is being sworn-in tomorrow in Washington D.C. That means today is the last day for current members, including Michigan’s long-time Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee. It’s Just Politics host Zoe Clark spoke with the outgoing Representative from Flint about his dozen years in office and whether D.C. is really more House of Cards or Veep. -
In a special edition of the It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look back at the 10 biggest political stories in Michigan of 2024. From Election 2024 and the Uncommitted National Movement to the state Supreme Court’s decision on ‘adopt and amend’ to Mayor Mike Duggan’s headline-grabbing gubernatorial announcement, the It’s Just Politics team breaks it all down. -
Frustration is boiling over at the state Capitol as the final days of Democrats’ complete control in Lansing come to an end. Republicans are continuing to boycott votes in the House, a Democratic lawmaker walked out of the Capitol while voting was underway, and state Representatives are taking to social media to vent their anger.
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