It's Just Politics

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, and Attorney General Dana Nessel all made news in 2025. A look back at the year in Michigan politics… and what’s in store in the new year.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer was unanimously selected this weekend to be the Vice Chair of the Democratic Governors Association. What does this tell us about her political future and ambitions for higher office?

Wondering why data centers are suddenly everywhere in the news? We’ll break it down. Plus, why the backlash isn’t falling along the usual party lines and what Michigan can learn from how voters in other states have responded at the ballot box.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws this week that put new rules in place over how, and when, lawmakers can request earmarks - otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. But, will it really add transparency to Lansing’s budget process?

Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark & Rick Pluta as they look back on this year in politics ... and look forward to what's on the horizon. Register.

Democrats across the state — and around the country — are asking why eight Senators who caucus with Democrats sided with Republicans to reopen the government. Former Michigan Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee breaks down the surprising vote. Plus, Trump preemptively pardons Michigan’s “fake electors” and more legal filings in the case against the state’s new marijuana tax.

City Council President Mary Sheffield has been elected as Detroit’s next mayor, succeeding Mike Duggan after twelve years in office that reshaped how the city works with Lansing. How will Mayor-elect Sheffield navigate her relationship with Lansing in a time of divided government? And, what lessons can she draw from Duggan’s approach? Plus, Michigan is in the middle of a legal standoff with the federal government over voter-data privacy.

Petition signature gatherers can lie to you about what’s in the petition you’re signing. New legislation aims to curb fraud in the petition signature gathering process. Plus, lawmakers look to throw the legal cannabis industry a bone after passing the new 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana.

Michigan’s latest education budget may boast record funding, but school leaders say it’s not enough. Plus, “Groundhog Day” at the U.S. Capitol. Where is Michigan’s Congressional delegation in the federal shutdown?

Governor Whitmer signs Michigan’s new $80 billion budget, but a new 24% marijuana tax to fund roads is already in legal trouble. Hear from Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood & legal expert Robert LaBrant.