On Tuesday, a judge ruled that Kristina Karamo had been rightfully removed from her position as chair of the Michigan Republican Party, coinciding with the state’s presidential primary elections. This decision followed months of internal discord concerning the financial stability of the state GOP, situated in a crucial battleground state. The culmination of this strife was a vote organized by members of the state party on January 6 to oust Karamo from her leadership role.
Kent County Judge Joseph Rossi affirmed the validity of the outcome, declaring any actions undertaken by Karamo on behalf of the Michigan Republican state committee since January 6, 2024, as null and void. The national Republican Party similarly endorsed Karamo’s removal, endorsing former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra as her successor, a choice supported by former President Donald Trump.
Upon receiving an injunction sought by Karamo’s detractors, Hoekstra emphasized the necessity for unity and progression, particularly in securing Michigan for the party’s presumptive nominee, Donald J. Trump. Karamo, however, denounced the judge’s decision as “grossly unfair,” persisting in her refusal to acknowledge her removal and intending to convene a convention to select presidential delegates.
A coalition of Republicans, including Karamo’s former co-chair Malinda Pego and other erstwhile allies, initiated legal action seeking a definitive ruling on Karamo’s lawful removal. Criticism of Karamo had intensified throughout a year marked by financial debt and internal strife, exacerbated by her failed bid for secretary of state prior to assuming leadership of the party.
Despite the contentious nature of Karamo’s removal, with nearly 89 percent of attendees on January 6 voting in favor of her ouster, according to party member Bree Moeggenberg, Judge Rossi affirmed the sufficiency of the votes cast. While the internal conflict within the state party had yet to significantly impact the presidential race, with Trump maintaining his frontrunner status over Nikki Haley, the resolution of Karamo’s removal signaled a decisive step in the party’s internal restructuring.