July 2026. We are now halfway through the year. On today’s It’s Just Politics, a look at the top three Michigan political stories of the year. So far.

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On the heels of Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow’s decision to drop out of the U.S. Senate race, leading contenders in the Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed met up in a televised debate last night that was Michiganders’ first look at how the candidates stack up directly against each other.

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It looks more and more likely that lawmakers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer will not pass a state budget by the July 1st statutory deadline. What comes next?

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Michigan Senate Democrats propose new data center regulations. What would the bills do and could they actually become law? 

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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The clock is ticking on Michigan's state budget, and there's growing skepticism lawmakers won’t meet the July 1 deadline. 

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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A big union endorsement, millions in outside spending, and a three-way Democratic fight that's only getting tougher. Michigan's open U.S. Senate race is quickly becoming one of the country's most closely watched contests.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Former speechwriter Chai Karve shares how he crafted speeches for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and why political speeches still matter in the digital age.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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New polling shows Governor Whitmer’s enduring popularity, deep voter frustration with the two-party system, and growing anxiety over inflation, jobs, and the state’s economic future heading into Election 2026.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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As Michigan’s race for governor heats up, candidates are finally taking part in forums, scheduling debates, and sharpening their campaign messages.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Criminal charges tied to a controversial $20 million state grant and renewed battles over petition signatures in Michigan’s governor’s race.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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