DETROIT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – State Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) has been named the new chair of the Michigan GOP. He won a three-way contest against former Ambassador to Fiji Joe Cella and former MIGOP Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock, who had received a late endorsement from President Donald Trump.

In the initial round of voting, Runestad led with 46% while Maddock received 31% and Cella 23%. With no candidate reaching more than 50% of the vote, a runoff was held, during which Runestad secured Cella’s endorsement. The final vote was 63% for Runestad to 37% for Maddock, leading Maddock to concede the race.

Michigan Democratic Party also has a new Chair.

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Over the weekend, Democratic precinct delegates also met in Detroit for their party’s convention, where a contest was expected between Whitmer-endorsed former State Senator Curtis Hertel (D- East Lansing) and community organizer Al “BJ” Williams. However, Williams dropped out after failing to secure the required 1,270 signatures to qualify for the chairmanship, eliminating the need to a vote for a leader other than offering their vote of unanimous consent to Hertel.