The Republican National Committee (RNC) has officially confirmed former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) to lead the Michigan Republican Party, given the confusion over who controls the state party.
The RNC’s contest committee confirmed that controversial Cristina Karamo was properly ousted as chair last month, party officials said. Hoekstra was subsequently confirmed as chair by a unanimous vote of the National Party Executive Committee.
But Karamo continues to insist. she’s still in control.
“The Michigan Republican Party continues to move forward under the leadership of the Karamo administration, and Christina Karamo will continue to serve as duly elected chair,” the state party told The Hill in a statement.
in Video posted Wednesday Speaking to Platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Karamo insisted he was “still legally the chairman.”
Michigan’s Republican Party voted in January to remove Mr. Karamo from office, but his refusal to relinquish his position sparked a power struggle between rival factions within the party.
Former President Trump supported Karamo’s candidacy for Secretary of State in the 2022 midterm elections. supported Hoekstra Take over the chairmanship.
“Both the RNC and our party’s prospective nominee, Donald Trump, have come forward and recognized me as the duly elected chair of the Michigan Republican Party,” Hoekstra said. Post to X.
“It’s time for the former speaker to join Donald Trump’s re-election fight. She will be welcomed,” Hoekstra, who also previously served as U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, said of Karamo.
With less than two weeks left until Michigan’s presidential primary on February 27, Republicans in the battleground state are aiming for a big victory in a competitive 2024 legislative race and the state’s open Senate seat.
Contributed by Lauren Sforza.
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