© 2026 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan voters want compromise, but feel stuck in a two-party system

Signs displaying the words Republican and Democrat with the title "The Michigan Mood"
New polling shows Governor Whitmer’s enduring popularity, deep voter frustration with the two-party system, and growing anxiety over inflation, jobs, and the state’s economic future heading into Election 2026.

On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta sit down with veteran pollster Richard Czuba to break down new statewide polling on Michigan voters ahead of the 2026 election. The data shows Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s continued popularity in her final months in office and that voters are increasingly frustrated with the two-party political system. There’s also a growing sense of economic anxiety across the state.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Stay Connected
Zoe Clark is Michigan Public's Associate General Manager and Political Director. In these roles, Clark guides coverage of the state Capitol, elections, and policy debates. She hosts the weekly show It's Just Politics. As Associate General Manager, she helps to guide Michigan Public’s strategic direction, content vision, and cross-platform integration.
Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.