

Crafting a governor’s voice
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 Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newslette…

The Michigan mood
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 Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to…

Inside the Michigan governor’s race
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 Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! W…

Charges in grant scandal
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 Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to …

Dems keep majority
In Michigan’s much-watched open 35th Senate district special election, Democrat Chedrick Greene wins the Mid-Michigan race as Dems hold onto their Senate majority. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politic…

A campaign roundup
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin makes headlines with a visit to Iowa, big campaign funds boost Mike Rogers, and what’s up with John James gubernatorial campaign. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics…

Is Lansing functional?
Calling the state capitol “one of the most dysfunctional places” in America, Democratic State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the pod for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Lansing by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up …

35th Senate District race
We are two months away from the special election that will determine the functional make-up of the state Senate. The 35th Senate district election is an important race that has folks in Lansing wondering what comes next. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick …

Duggan disruption
Can former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan win Michigan’s governor race as an independent? We break down his rise, Michigan’s swing voters, and the possible shake-up of two-party politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for th…

A Lansing roundup
A ballot proposal to tax the wealthy folds, Michigan’s “fake electors” threaten a lawsuit, and could future primary election dates change? It’s a Lansing roundup edition of It’s Just Politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign…