MichMash Politics

There were a lot of political stories that happened in 2025 that made the year stand out. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss some of the major stories that had an impact and they look ahead to 2026.

Sen Gary Peters' annoucement about not seeking reelection shocked the political world because of his favorability and success. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow talk with the Senator to hear his reasons behind his decision and they discuss his plans for the remainder of his term. 

Cheyna and Zach also discuss the recent news with rank choice voting. 

Congresswoman Haley Stevens is vying for the US Senate seat in Michigan in a highly contested field. In this episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with the representative to see what makes her different from her opponents. 

As we get closer to the midterm elections, races for the Michigan US Senate and House seat prove that Michigan is stepping closer in the national spotlight. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss Michigan's swing state power with Reid Wilson, founder and editor of Pluribus News in Washington, D.C.
They discuss the current state of the Michigan candidates and how they reflect the national trend in politics. 
But first the state budget drama continues as cancellations in funding disrupts multiple work projects. Cheyna and Zach also discuss the latest in Lansing

Is everyone getting charged the same? This is the question causing members of the Michigan Judicial Council to create a proposal to take the pressure off judges to generate revenue and make the state a more balanced funding partner as well as make sure people are not given debts that they can’t pay. This week on MichMash Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Alethia Kasben discuss the ins and outs of this proposal with former judge and State Court Administrator Tom Boyd.

During this holiday weekend, the MichMash hosts got together to look at issues and stories we should look out for in the month of December. 
This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss topics such as data centers, the Michigan gubernatorial race, and what items on the legislatures to-do list will get accomplished. 

Michigan lawmakers are working on bipartisan approaches to ensure crimes are accounted for and other bills aiming to increase privacy for lawmakers. This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben talk with State Senator Stephanie Chang and State Representative Sarah Lightner. They discuss the Violent Crime Clearance Act, shielding of addresses for certain public officials, and more. 

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall makes his MichMash debut this week to share his take on recent events involving the Michigan legislature. In this episode, he joins hosts Cheyna Roth and Zach Gorchow to talk about funding, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the state budget, Republican candidates for governor and more. 

Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield had a historic win on Tuesday, becoming the first woman to be elected Mayor of Detroit. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben are joined by BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett and Detroit One Million founder Sam Robinson to discuss how Sheffield might govern in her new role.

In this episode, cannabis attorney Lance Boldrey joins the show. He chats with WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben about how the 2026 state budget affects the cannabis industry.

Plus, Republican gubernatorial candidates had their first debate this week. We discuss a notable absence and the major themes of the debate.