Michigan’s most influential business, civic, and political leaders will gather on Mackinac Island May 26 through 28 for the Mackinac Policy Conference, a forum that annually shapes statewide conversation and policy priorities.
This year’s theme, “A Quest for Common Ground,” underscores the urgency of collaboration and practical solutions at a moment when Michigan finds itself squarely in the national political spotlight.
FEATURED GUESTS:
Mike Pence ~ 48th Vice President of the United States
Pete Buttigieg ~ Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Jennifer Granholm ~ Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Governor of Michigan
Gretchen Whitmer ~ Governor of Michigan
Jocelyn Benson ~ Gubernatorial Candidate and Michigan Secretary of State
Mike Duggan ~ Gubernatorial Candidate; and former Mayor of Detroit
Abdul El‑Sayed ~ Candidate for U.S. Senate
Dan Gilbert ~ Founder and Chair, Rocket Companies
760 WJR BROADCAST SCHEDULE:
‘JR Morning
Hosted by Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson
Wednesday and Thursday 6 to 9 a.m.
Live from Grand Hotel
Focus with Paul W. Smith
Wednesday and Thursday Noon to 2 p.m.
Live from Grand Hotel
MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE LIVE STREAM
Watch live and on demand coverage from the Mackinac Policy Conference, featuring key sessions, interviews, and conversations with Michigan’s top political, business, and civic leaders as the event unfolds on Mackinac Island.
PODCASTS:
May 28, 2026 ~ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
May 27, 2026 ~ U.S. Senator Gary Peters joins Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
May 27, 2026 ~ Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins Paul W. Smith live at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
May 27, 2026 ~ U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin and Congresswoman Haley Stevens join Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live at the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the ban they’re seeking on Chinese vehicles, even for temporary entry.
May 28, 2026 ~ State Sen. Aric Nesbitt joins Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live from the Mackinac Policy Conference.
May 28, 2026 ~ State Sen. Winnie Brinks joins Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live from the Mackinac Policy Conference.
May 27, 2026 ~ Lloyd Jackson hosts a live discussion from the Yankee Rebel Tavern on Mackinac Island for the Mackinac Policy Conference, featuring discussions on the economic impact of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the growth of data centers in Michigan, and improvements in healthcare and public transit.
May 28, 2026 ~ Warren Evans, Wayne County executive, Dave Coulter, Oakland County executive, and Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive, join Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live from the Mackinac Policy Conference.
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