The race to become the next Michigan Republican Party chair is getting a little bigger.
Former U-S Ambassador Pete Hoekstra is joining Republicans Billy Putman, Garrett Soldano, and Matt DePerno in the race.
They’ll vie for party control after a disappointing showing in this month’s election that saw donors shy away from some of the party’s nominees.
Michigan State University Professor Matt Grossman says some of that can trace back to allegiance to former President Donald Trump.
“There was a perception as to who could win statewide among donors and it related to this overall conflict that, the party regulars think that the Trumpier candidate the better and general election voters don’t agree.” said Grossman.
The party is expected to pick its new leadership in February.