Curtis Hertel Jr.

Michigan Republicans gathered in Mount Pleasant on Aug. 22 for their nominating convention, finalizing a statewide ticket ahead of a November midterm that will decide the governorship, a U.S. Senate seat and other key offices. The event ratified April's endorsement convention picks, confirming Anthony Forlini and Doug Lloyd as nominees for secretary of state and attorney general, and formally nominated state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as gubernatorial candidate John James' running mate. James and Senate nominee Mike Rogers used the stage to attack Democrats over antisemitism, socialism and economic issues, with Rogers casting Democratic Senate rival Abdul El-Sayed as untrustworthy. Party figures emphasized unity and a "positive" tone after past fractures within the state GOP.

James will face Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson, who recently named state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate. Despite the enthusiasm, Republicans trailed Democrats in primary turnout and face fundraising gaps down-ballot. Chairman Jim Runestad said Michigan remains competitive and must be "earned," while Democrats countered that voters will hold Republicans accountable for economic conditions. Democrats hold their own convention the following weekend to confirm their ticket.