In a recent Michigan Republican convention, former President Donald Trump secured all 39 delegates at stake. This victory comes amidst a leadership dispute that has divided the state party into rival factions. The convention was presided over by the party chairman, former Ambassador and Congressman Pete Hoekstra, in Grand Rapids, following days of contention over the convention’s location and leadership.
The leadership dispute was evident throughout the day, with convention organizers sharing an email containing the convention results and a post from Trump’s Truth Social account. The post expressed Trump’s support for Hoekstra as the Chairman of The Republican Party of Michigan.
Hoekstra was appointed as the new party chair by the Michigan Republican Party’s state committee in January, succeeding former Chairwoman Kristina Karamo, who was ousted following her denial of the 2020 election results and her unsuccessful bid for secretary of state in 2022. Despite Karamo’s legal efforts to regain power, a Michigan judge dismissed her case this week. The Republican National Committee also recognized Hoekstra as the state party chair.
Despite the leadership struggle, Karamo and her aides had planned a convention in Detroit. However, Hoekstra, after assuming the role of party chair, announced a convention in Grand Rapids, leading to confusion among delegates. Some Karamo supporters in the 1st and 4th congressional districts held their own gatherings on Saturday.
Delegates present in Grand Rapids acknowledged the impact of the leadership dispute on the state GOP. Hima Kolanagireddy, a delegate and candidate for RNC committeewoman, expressed hope that the party would unite behind the goal of winning in 2024, once the dust settles. However, she acknowledged the deep divide within the state GOP.
Rob Steele, an RNC committeeman, predicted that the strong support for Trump across all factions of the divided state party would help unify Republicans. Hoekstra also invoked Trump’s support for his chairmanship throughout the convention.
The convention, which took place five days after Trump’s victory over former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in Michigan’s primary, was dominated by support for Trump. However, the divisions among Republicans were still apparent, with flyers criticizing both Karamo and Hoekstra circulating at the event.
Ken Beyer, the 4th District chairman, stated that he and other Karamo supporters will seek to strip Hoekstra of his power. Beyer also noted that Trump’s endorsement of Hoekstra would not resolve the division over control of the state GOP.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Hoekstra highlighted the support he has received as Michigan Republican Party chairman, including endorsements from the state committee, the RNC, Donald Trump, the congressional delegation, and state House and Senate leaders.
Clark Harrington, a delegate for Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District, described the GOP chairmanship as “kind of in disarray” but noted that “the vote for Trump is unanimous.”