A Michigan GOP convention is set to take place in Grand Rapids on Saturday to allocate 39 of the state’s 55 GOP presidential delegates. However, a significant portion of the party's grassroots force will be absent due to an ongoing dispute over party leadership.
Despite the internal division, chaos, and legal battles, the party is expected to rally behind former President Donald Trump as the preferred candidate. Trump emerged victorious in Michigan's Feb. 27 Republican primary, securing 68% of the vote compared to Nikki Haley's 27%.
The primary split into two parts after Democrats, who control the state government, moved Michigan into the early primary states, violating national Republican party rules. Trump, having won all presidential contests he participated in and earning 122 delegates, is poised to secure the party’s nomination post Super Tuesday.
A recent ruling affirmed the removal of former Michigan GOP Chair Kristina Karamo, officially handing the state party to former Rep. Pete Hoekstra. However, at least 24 county GOP parties will not be sending precinct delegates to the convention due to registration issues, with many loyal to Karamo.
Despite the absence of some county parties, the allocation of presidential delegates is expected to proceed smoothly, with Trump likely to secure all 39 delegates at stake. Trump's endorsement of Hoekstra amid the party squabble this winter solidifies his influence within Michigan's Republican Party.
The intraparty turmoil is unlikely to impact the delegate allocation significantly. However, Trump's ability to appeal to voters beyond his base will be crucial in securing Michigan, a critical swing state, in the upcoming November election. Notably, Trump faced challenges in suburban counties like Oakland and Kent in Tuesday's primary, which played a pivotal role in his loss in Michigan four years ago.
