LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It’s a tale of two political parties.

One gained control of the top state offices and both chambers in Lansing and used that majority to advance party pet projects like unlimited abortion access and sweeping green energy policies. The other, still licking its wounds from a brutal 2022 election cycle, is struggling to find party unity, solid messaging, fundraising, and a leader to rally the grassroots.

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On one side of the aisle, the Michigan Democrat Party is continuing to use its all-blue momentum to keep things going strong into the 2024 presidential election. For the first time in ten years, Osceola County formally established a Democrat county party organization and elected new leadership.

Lavora Barnes, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, emphasized how important this group will be for the upcoming elections. “We are incredibly excited to work with Osceola County Democrats in the coming election cycle and I am so thankful for their commitment and hard work to establish this organization. Standing together and building coalitions across the state is how we ensure Democrats can keep building on the incredible progress we have made in the last two years,” Barnes said.

On the other side of the aisle sits the embattled Michigan Republican Party. It installed Kristina Karamo as chair earlier this year after she lost her bid for Secretary of State to Jocelyn Benson. Since then it appears the Michigan GOP is immersed in an internal power struggle while failing to fundraise and support Republican candidates.

Meghan Reckling, former chair of the Livingston County GOP and chief of staff for State Senator Lana Theis (R-Brighton), has been outspoken about what the Republican Party should be doing with its time and money.

 

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While the rest of the state will be unwrapping Christmas presents and making New Year’s resolutions, some Michigan Republicans will try to unseat Karamo at a special meeting on December 27.

Former Michigan Republican District chair Warren Carpenter, who used to support Karamo, supported a 140-page report late on Sunday night titled “The Failed Leadership of the Karamo Administration.” It details, among other things, incurring massive debt and violating contribution limits.

“We’ve got the votes [to oust Karamo]. She’s gone,” Carpenter told Michigan Advance.

In the meantime, the Michigan GOP continues to seek volunteers for its Election Security Operations Program which works to secure elections. It’s also promoting its “Good Neighbor Program” to help people impact their individual precincts.

An email to supporters on Monday night reminded everyone of the Michigan GOP Christmas party on Tuesday.