It's Just Politics

Detroit voters have chosen City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. to move forward to November’s general election in the race to become the city’s next mayor. Plus, a majority of local Michigan officials think the state is on the wrong track. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eye-raising fundraising numbers are released in Michigan’s 2026 race for governor. Plus, President Trump puts his thumb on Michigan’s political scale in the GOP primary race for U.S. Senate. by Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three weeks since the July 1st statutory deadline and there is still no budget deal in Lansing. Two lawmakers discuss where things stand in the negotiations: “the span between our budgets right now is about as big as the Mackinac Bridge.” by Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 2025. We are now halfway through the year. On today’s It’s Just Politics, a look at the top three Michigan political stories of the year. So far. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn’t just a state budget that the legislature didn’t get done before leaving the Capitol last week, there still isn’t a deal on road funding. What happens next? Plus, a month to go before Detroit’s mayoral primary. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal deadline for the Michigan Legislature to pass a budget came and went Tuesday. And the Democratic Senate and Republican House remain miles apart. Plus, a search warrant at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot of anticipation, waiting and, maybe, negotiating at the state Capitol as the Republican-led House and the Democratic-controlled Senate go down to the wire in budget negotiations with a statutory deadline of July 1st. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Leonard, former Speaker of the Michigan House, is the latest Republican to jump into Michigan’s open gubernatorial race. He joins It’s Just Politics this week. Plus, Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley discuss their new book focusing on civility. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns are mounting in Lansing over whether a state budget will get done by a July 1st statutory deadline. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: a frank and honest conversation with four bipartisan lawmakers about what is - or isn’t happening - at the state Capitol. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DeVos political machine is back after announcing that they are publicly reengaging in Michigan politics. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect from the DeVos family ahead of Election 2026. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more than 1,500 business leaders, lawmakers, lobbyists and philanthropists meet on Mackinac Island for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, new election 2026 polling is released. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was in the news quite a bit this week - for all the wrong reasons. Plus, the political volleying over economic incentives for big business continues in Michigan. Want to support more work like this? Donate today! Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In new budget transparency in Lansing, nearly 800 earmark requests from state House lawmakers are made public. What’s in the $4 billion dollars? Plus, a new ballot campaign wants to make Michigan a rank choice voting state. Want to support more work like this? Donate today! Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The takeaway from conversations with 100 Michiganders on where things stand politically and Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his run for governor in 2026. Want to support more work like this? Donate today! Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The complicated relationship between Governor Gretchen Whitmer and President Donald Trump was on full display again this week in Michigan. Whitmer joins It’s Just Politics as the fascinatingly transnational alliance between the governor and the president evolves. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Michigan ballot campaign that would require residents to show proof of citizenship while registering to vote could start collecting signatures soon. Plus, a conversation with Democratic candidate for governor Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republican-led Michigan House Oversight Committee has authorized a subpoena targeting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta look into the rare use of a subpoena in Lansing. Plus, former Republican Attorney General Mike Cox announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers are heading back to the state Capitol from their spring recess after the first three months of divided power in Lansing. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at what was done in the first 90 days. Plus, Republican Congressman John James announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nine bills passed in last session’s legislature remain in legislative limbo as House Republicans defy a court ruling to send the bills to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign or veto. Plus, the latest on Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed six lawsuits and 12 amicus briefs in federal court against President Donald Trump’s controversial Executive Orders. Nessel joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics to explain how she’s determining what suits to file; plus, Nessel looks back on the 11th anniversary this week of her lawsuit in Michigan that helped to make the state’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump delivered the first address of his second term to a Joint Session of Congress. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Republican Congressman Tom Barrett join Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics for their response to the speech and the Democratic response from Michigan’s Senator Elissa Slotkin.  Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Republican state Representative says Michigan lawmakers aren’t working nearly enough and that Lansing is corrupt. He’s introduced a resolution to make the state Legislature part-time. Representative Jim DeSana joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Michigan has ranked last in a national study of state ethics and transparency laws. But 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. Plus, new rules in the state House would require earmarks be publicly disclosed in the budget process. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, The Detroit News’ Craig Mauger joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans control the state House. There’s a GOP trifecta in D.C. It seems ripe for Democratic opposition… or is it? On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by two Democrats, Adrian Hemond and Portia Roberson, to explore the Democratic resistance or lack thereof. Plus, where things stand in Ottawa County after the controversial and uber-conservative Ottawa Impact lost their majority on the County Board of Commissioners. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Plus, Mothering Justice’s Danielle Atkinson joins hosts Rick Pluta and Zoe Clark to explain her opposition to changing the laws. And, Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announces he’s running for Governor of Michigan in 2026.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustration is boiling over at the state Capitol as the final days of Democrats’ complete control of Lansing in 40 years 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. On today’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Zach Gorchow, President of Gongwer News Service, to break down the breakdown in Lansing.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 will be a monumental year in Detroit politics as Mayor Mike Duggan seeks to run for governor, leaving an open seat for the highest office in the state’s largest city next year. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Stephen Henderson, host of American Black Journal, and Nancy Kaffer, editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press to dig into Duggan’s legacy, Detroit’s political landscape and the ten-year anniversary of the city emergency from bankruptcy. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Support our work.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark is joined by Democrat Felicia Brabec and Republican Graham Filler, two outgoing Michigan state Representatives, to talk about what their time in Lansing was really like: frustrations, surprises and what voters should know about the state Capitol. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Bridge Michigan politics reporters Jordyn Hermani and Simon Schuster to discuss why state House Democrats are failing to deliver their lame-duck legislative agenda. Plus, a conversation with state Democratic Representative Rachel Hood on why she is calling Lansing “toxic.” Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Democratic Congresswoman-elect Kristen McDonald Rivet, the only incoming Democratic freshman from Michigan. Plus, Chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party Vance Patrick joins the podcast to talk about his strategy of ‘losing less’ in a blue county. Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special Friday edition of It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by outgoing Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee and incoming Republican Congressman-elect Tom Barrett. Rep. Kildee is leaving Washington D.C. after a dozen years in Congress and Barrett just won his first Congressional race Tuesday night. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletterSupport the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special day-after Election Day, It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta join Stateside host April Baer to dissect what Election 2024 means for Michigan. From Republicans taking the state House to a new 5-2 Democratic-nominee majority on the state Supreme Court, the podcast this week is dedicated to local races and what the results mean for you.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two percent of Michigan voters remain undecided in the race for president according to new polling by Glengariff Group for The Detroit News and WDIV. With a race that has consistently shown Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump within the margin of error, two percent could make all the difference in winning Michigan’s 15 electoral votes and the White House. Former Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Chair of the Republican Party Pete Hoekstra both joined Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics for conversations on how both parties are trying to convince undecided votes in the final days of Election 2024.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Elon Musk name checks Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on X, more than a million absentee ballots in Michigan are already sent in and the presidential candidates in Michigan are everywhere all at once. Plus, a surprising endorsement from Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined on this week’s podcast by Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons and the Detroit Free Press’ Clara Hendrickson.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ask Americans if they are concerned that there will be fraud in this year’s election a majority will say yes. That’s according to new polling from NPR/PBS News and Marist. And if you break it down by party, 86 percent of Republicans say they are concerned while 33 percent of Democrats say they’re concerned. A new bipartisan group, the Democracy Defense Project, is trying to reassure voters’ in swing states that voting is safe and secure and in Michigan, former Governors John Engler and Jim Blanchard are taking up the mantle. The Republican and Democrat joined It’s Just Politics with Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta this week. And, Capitol reporter Colin Jackson shares one way to combat election misinformation.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan’s open Senate race will help to determine the makeup of the U.S. Senate next year and right now the polling shows it’s a tied race. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by The Detroit News Politics Editor Chad Livengood and Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler to debrief on this week’s U.S. Senate debate between Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers and look at where the campaigns stand with less than a month before Election Day. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by WDET’s Stephen Henderson and Bitely Communications Andrea Bitely to dig into the Vice Presidential debate between Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz; plus Interlochen Public Radio’s Ed Ronco breaks down a state House race in Northern Michigan that could have big impact in determining whether Democrats keep control in Lansing. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Absentee ballots go out in mail this week to Michigan voters who have requested them. Chris Thomas, Michigan’s former long-time Elections Director, joins It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta to answer your questions about absentee balloting in Michigan; plus what a new nationwide survey of consumers could tell us about November’s presidential election results. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan’s entire state House of Representatives is up for election this cycle and Democrats are hoping to keep control of the chamber and their control of Lansing. Bridge Michigan Capitol Reporters Jordyn Hermani and Simon Schuster join It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they take a look at what’s at stake in Lansing in Election 2024. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta debrief with Michigan Public’s Adam Yahya Rayes about last night’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump and ask: do presidential debates actually change voters’ minds? Plus, how the state of Michigan came to own the blueprints for the World Trade Center. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A judge ruled this week that Robert F. Kennedy Junior’s name will remain on the Michigan ballot as the presidential candidate for the Natural Law Party. Will RFK Jr., Jill Stein and Cornel West be 2024’s election spoilers? Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta speak with Brooking Institution’s Elaine Kamarck, author of “Primary Politics: Everything You Need to Know About How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates” about the role of third parties this election cycle.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A conversation with University of Michigan Ford School Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes and Professor Jenna Bednar about the 50th anniversary of Gerald R. Ford becoming President of the United States.Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell join It’s Just Politics from Chicago and a look at former President Donald Trump’s trip to Livingston County, MI this week. Sign up for the newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.