It's Just Politics
Wednesdays at 3:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m.
Michigan politics is rough and tumble, sometimes confusing but definitely consequential. It’s Just Politics hosts Rick Pluta and Zoe Clark help make sense of the serious questions and the tomfoolery every week. Listen Wednesdays at 3:40p and 8:40p on Michigan Public and get the It’s Just Politics newsletter in your inbox every Friday afternoon. Plus, be sure to subscribe to the It’s Just Politics podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
The Latest from It's Just Politics
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s appointment of Michigan Supreme Court Justice-designate Noah Hood might have been more consequential if it flipped the high court’s majority. But that’s not the case. Rather, it takes the court from a majority of Democratic Party-affiliated justices to a 6-1 super majority. Why it matters. Plus, President Trump will visit Macomb County next week for a rally highlighting the first 100 days of his second administration.
On the Podcast
From the Newsletter
Radio Segments
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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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Rick Pluta/Michigan PublicMichigan’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announces he’s running for governor in 2026; plus, Republicans in the Michigan House shock Democrats with the introduction - and quick passage - of a $20 billion dollar budget in Lansing. -
Divided government is back in Lansing. How are lawmakers at the state capital working bipartisanly to get things done? Join the It's Just Politics team for Issues & Ale.
More from It's Just Politics
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Advocates of making the Michigan legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office more transparent saw success this week in Lansing. But, is this the year the state Capitol really becomes more open? Plus, new names in the 2026 race to be Michigan's next governor. -
This past week in Lansing, there’s been increased attention to transparency with the state Senate passing bills to open lawmakers and the governor’s office to Freedom of Information Act requests to the introduction of bills that would stop lawmakers from signing non-disclosure agreements. -
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters’ announcement that he won’t run for reelection has left Democrats and Republicans across Michigan to reevaluate 2026's races. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta evaluate the stakes. -
Republicans control the state House. There’s a GOP trifecta in D.C. It seems ripe for Democratic opposition… or is it? -
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. -
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has become the first Democrat to announce in the race for governor. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Benson to discuss her campaign for the state’s highest office. Plus, Matt Friedman joins the pod to discuss a growing trend in campaign announcements. -
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.
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