Photo: Adobe Stock
PODCAST
November 5, 2026 ~ Ronna McDaniel, CEO of Michigan Forward, joined Kevin Dietz to recap the election results and analyze what they mean for Michigan politics moving forward. McDaniel discussed voter trends, key races, and how both parties may adjust their strategies following Election Day.
PODCAST
November 5, 2026 ~ Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, joined Kevin Dietz to break down the election results and discuss what the outcomes mean for Democrats across the state. Hertel shared his take on the party’s performance, voter turnout, and the road ahead heading into the next election cycle.
LANSING, Mich. ~ The day after Democrats completed a sweeping election victory across Michigan, both parties agreed on at least one thing: Voters were looking for change. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said voters backed Democratic candidates because of concerns about affordability, health care, housing and economic security, while former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel argued the results reflected frustration with Republicans in Washington rather than an endorsement of Democratic policies.
Hertel said Democrats now must shift their focus from campaigning to governing after victories in the governor’s race, U.S. Senate contest and key statewide offices, along with regaining control of the Michigan House. McDaniel, meanwhile, urged Republicans to continue fighting for their policy priorities while acknowledging voters sent a message about rising costs and economic challenges, setting the stage for what both leaders expect to be a pivotal and closely watched period in Michigan politics.
