MichMash Politics - WDET FM

Latest Episodes:

What led Mike Duggan to drop out of the gubernatorial race?; Michigan’s Court of Claims issued a decision that could affect earmarks May 22, 2026

Show notes

We have less than 6 months until the midterm elections... and independent candidate Mike Duggan has dropped out of the race. This week on WDET's weekly series, MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss what elements led the former Detroit Mayor to making his decision and reactions it drew from both Democrats and Republicans.
And then later on in the episode we talk about earmarks. Earmarks are ways to get projects approved for local governments. Due to a decision from the Michigan’s Court of Claims, what lawmakers consider an earmark may change. Gorchow and Kasben also discuss how the evolution of this type of funding led to current criticisms. Patrick Wright, Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, joins to help explain the decision.

The Michigan Education Association withholds their endorsement; How does the Michigan Bureau of Elections work? May 15, 2026

Show notes

The Democrat gubernatorial race hit some turbulence this week after a key endorser, The Michigan Education Association, didn't decide on who they are going to support. This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss why the association has withheld their endorsement for now.

Later on in the episode, the director of the Michigan Bureau of Elections, Jonathan Brater, explains how the government office works in conjunction with the Secretary of State, how they approve signatures and more.

Democrat victory in special election may show where the 2026 midterms are headed May 08, 2026

Show notes

An important state senate race for Michigan's 35th Senate District was decided Tuesday, and it could have huge implications for the November midterm elections. This week on WDET's weekly series, MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss what how the race was decided. They are joined by Alvin "AJ" Jones from WCMU Public Radio to break it all down.

The 2026-2027 fiscal year budget process is outpacing last year's May 01, 2026

Show notes

Both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate have completed their 2026-27 fiscal year budgets and advanced them out of their respective chambers.

This week on WDET's MichMash...Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss what's different this year. They also break down some of the major points of the budgets.

Then later in the show, Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps stops by to discuss energy costs in Michigan and data centers.

Recap: 2026 filing deadline and Democratic state endorsement convention Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Candidates looking to get on the ballot hit a major milestone this week. This week on WDET's weekly series MichMash...Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss this milestone with Bridge Michigan's deputy editor Jonathan Oosting. They also talk about the 13^th U.S. House District in Detroit.

Michigan Democrats hold 2026 state endorsement convention Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

The Michigan Democratic Party is holding their endorsement convention this weekend to determine the party’s supported candidates for critical positions. As part of WDET's weekly series...MichMash...Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discusses what those positions are and which candidates have the best chances of winning.

Will the Michigan Senate race forecast other critical races across the nation? Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

The race for the Michigan Senate seat is drawing national attention as the winner of the race may show a larger trend with other critical races across the country. This week on WDET's weekly series MichMash....Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben breaks down this race with Detroit News Washington Bureau Chief Melissa Nann Burke.
They discuss the candidates and their projections for November.

Attorney General Dana Nessel addresses detention center, President Trump, data centers and more Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

The State of Michigan and the City of Romulus have sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because of a conflict with a warehouse conversion into a detention center. This week on MichMash Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben talks with Attorney General Dana Nessel to discuss her concerns about the department's actions and much more.

Michigan Republicans hold 2026 state endorsement convention Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

The Michigan Republican Party is holding its endorsement convention this weekend, where party leaders will back candidates for key races. This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben break down the positions at stake and which candidates are best positioned to win.

Later in the show, Michigan Republican Party Chair Sen. Jim Runestad joins to discuss the party’s outlook and what comes next.

2026 Gubernatorial Race Update; Businessman Perry Johnson gets real about his poll numbers Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

With one month until filing deadlines to get on the November ballot, it's time to take a look to see who has the best chance of representing their party as their next gubernatorial candidate. This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben point out the candidates to watch out for as we walk further down the campaign trail.
And later in the show businessman Perry Johnson joins the show to talk about his bid for governor.

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