DETROIT – Some members of Michigan’s Republican Party are hoping the chaos and court battles will soon come to an end in this critical presidential election year.
On Saturday, Jan. 20, one Republican faction said it has chosen a new party chair, but is Kristina Karamo ready to drop her fight?
The Michigan Republican Party announced a new chair has been elected, former West Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra, the former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands under Donald Trump’s presidency.
“If we do not expend that the funds necessary to be recognized as the legal representation of the Michigan GOP, everything else just kinds falls aside,” Hoekstra said Friday, Jan. 20.
He was referencing the Jan. 6 meeting where Karamo was reportedly ousted as chair. Karama called the meeting illegitimate and said she’s still the chair.
“I am so looking forward to us winning in 2024. The matter has been settled,” Karamo said of the meeting. “The Jan. 6 meeting was ruled illegitimate by the state committee. Also, they reaffirmed me as chair of the Michigan Republican Party.”
Related: Michigan GOP chair claims to still be in charge following vote for removal
A lawsuit was filed in Kent County Saturday by acting chair Malinda Pego hoping for a declaration that Karamo was lawfully removed as chair. Pego then hosted a candidates forum before Saturday’s vote.