It's Just Politics

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivers his 12th and final state of the city address as he prepares for his 2026 independent bid for Michigan Governor. Duggan joins It’s Just Politics; plus, the politics surrounding an open Michigan Senate seat.

Michigan’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.

Michigan Republicans and Democrats gather this weekend to choose their new state party chairs. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore the role of the state party chairs and why they matter heading into 2026.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her much-anticipated road funding plan this week. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pulta are joined by Bridge Michigan’s Simon Shuster to dig into the $3 billion plan. Plus, John Truscott, former Communications Director for Governor John Engler, explains how to sell a roads plan.

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.

Republicans control the state House. There’s a GOP trifecta in D.C. It seems ripe for Democratic opposition… or is it?

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.

The 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.