Governor of Michigan

The Libertarian Party of Michigan has formally disavowed its 2025 gubernatorial nominee, Anthony Hudson, after he used a gay slur and profanity attacking the party in campaign videos. The party's executive committee passed a resolution severing "any affiliation, support or political connection" with Hudson, who had already been censured once before. Hudson's name remains on the ballot for the November 3 election, but he will be barred from party funds, events, and mentions on official channels.

Hudson, a former Republican primary candidate, rejected the disavowal, saying he would rather "stand alone" than compromise his principles, and refused to apologize for the slur. Party officials say his positions—supporting deployment of the National Guard against immigrants, restricting transgender athletes, and backing Trump-era tariffs and foreign policy—conflict with core Libertarian values. The party is also contending with separate controversies involving its lieutenant governor nominee, facing embezzlement charges, and a Senate nominee whose policy views diverge from traditional libertarian positions, underscoring ongoing turmoil within Michigan's third-largest party ahead of the election.

Nexstar Media Group's Michigan television stations will air two live, multi-market debates dubbed "Debate Week in Michigan" ahead of the state's high-profile 2026 races. The gubernatorial debate airs October 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. ET, followed by the U.S. Senate debate on October 8, same time slot. Both events will originate from WOOD-TV's studios in Grand Rapids, moderated by political reporter Rick Albin with anchor Amber Krycka fielding viewer questions on topics including technology, healthcare, immigration, and the economy.

In the governor's race, Republican U.S. Representative John James faces Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, competing to succeed term-limited Gretchen Whitmer. The Senate debate pits Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official and past gubernatorial candidate, against Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers, vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. The debates will broadcast across Nexstar's Michigan stations, stream digitally, and have excerpts air nationally on NewsNation and The Hill.

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican businessman John James, both seeking Michigan's governorship in 2026, separately addressed the Detroit Economic Club on September 16, fielding business-focused questions ahead of the race to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The appearances gave each candidate a platform to outline their economic priorities to a key audience of business leaders in the state.

The gubernatorial race is shaping up as one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 midterm cycle, with Michigan's manufacturing base, auto industry, and economic policy likely to be central themes. Benson and James joining the Economic Club separately, rather than in a debate format, signals the campaign is still in its early positioning stage, with both sides working to build support among business and civic constituencies before the primaries.

Beau Parmenter, 45, the Libertarian running mate of Michigan gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson, was arrested and arraigned in Shiawassee County's 66th District Court on one count of felony larceny by conversion involving between $1,000 and $20,000. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000 or three times the value of the property allegedly taken.

Parmenter is accused of keeping a $2,500 deposit from a couple in a May 2025 transaction tied to Country Barn Estates, an event venue he owns. He pleaded not guilty and posted a $10,000 cash bond to secure his release. His attorney, Daniel Barnett, denied the allegation, calling the charge "malicious and frivolous" and saying Parmenter had no involvement in the disputed transaction. A warrant for Parmenter's arrest had been issued in March, though Barnett said his client was unaware of it. Hudson declined to comment. Parmenter is next due in court for a probable cause conference September 23, with a preliminary examination set for September 29.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags flown at half-staff statewide from sunup to sundown this Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Kelly's office said the gesture honors the nearly 3,000 Americans killed and thousands injured, as well as the more than 400 first responders who died while saving lives that day.

President Donald Trump separately issued a proclamation designating the anniversary as "Patriot Day, 2026," directing federal departments and agencies to fly flags at half-staff in honor of the 2,977 victims. Trump's proclamation also recognized first responders who continue to suffer health effects from their service and members of the Armed Forces who have served in the years since the attacks. The observances reflect ongoing national commemoration efforts tied to the milestone anniversary.

A new Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll of 600 likely Michigan voters, conducted by the Glengariff Group Aug. 31-Sept. 3, found only 29% approve of President Trump's 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods, including cement, wine, dairy and hockey sticks, while 64% disapprove. Opposition was strong among Democrats (93%) and independents (73%), with even a quarter of Republicans disapproving. About 62% said the tariffs hurt Michigan's economy, and 72% expect higher prices. Trump's approval among Michigan voters fell to 35%, the lowest recorded in either of his terms by this pollster.

The findings carry political weight ahead of November elections, with Republicans like Rep. Tom Barrett and Senate nominee Mike Rogers treading carefully—criticizing aspects of the trade dispute while avoiding direct attacks on Trump—as Democrats including Sen. Elissa Slotkin and gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson use the tariffs' costs to attack GOP opponents. Business groups and voters interviewed cited rising consumer costs and strain on Michigan's auto, dairy, agriculture and tourism sectors tied to trade with Canada.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino in federal court, seeking to force Abbott to sign extradition paperwork for ICE agent Christian Castro. This follows a judge's earlier denial of Minnesota's request for a restraining order to keep Castro jailed in Texas amid the extradition dispute. Castro faces four felony counts of second-degree assault and a misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a crime after a January shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, with surveillance video contradicting his account. Minnesota's suit argues the nearly three-month delay is unlawful and unusual, noting past extraditions between the states were typically resolved within about 30 days, and cites a 1987 Supreme Court ruling requiring states to honor extradition requests. Abbott, facing reelection, has not commented on the pending matter. Texas law caps fugitive detention at 90 days, making Castro eligible for release around August 26. The Justice Department is reportedly weighing separate federal charges.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in federal court in Brownsville, seeking an order compelling extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who faces Minnesota charges of assault and falsely reporting a crime after allegedly shooting Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg during a Jan. 14 Minneapolis raid. Castro was arrested in Texas in May; prosecutors say he fired through a front door and then falsely claimed he was attacked with a broom and shovel, an account contradicted by video. DHS has called the prosecution a "political stunt" and asserts federal jurisdiction, while the lawsuit also names Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino.

Ellison warns Castro could be released under Texas' 90-day bail rule as early as Aug. 26 and potentially flee to Mexico, citing jailhouse calls in which Castro discussed marrying a woman there and buying a house. Abbott's office has repeatedly declined to comment on "pending extradition matters" and has not signed the warrant despite Ellison noting Texas normally processes such requests in about 30 days. Ellison cites a 1987 Supreme Court ruling making extradition compliance mandatory. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty calls the case "not about politics," while the dispute underscores broader friction between state and federal authority over immigration enforcement.