Joan Esposito is joined by Katherine Dailey, state government and policy reporter for Michigan Advance. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- In Michigan's race for governor, Michigan Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson faces Republican Congressman John James.
- James remains aligned with President Trump but appears to be emphasizing that association less in the general election, particularly on unpopular data center policy.
- Incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s support for data centers and response to Planned Parenthood funding needs have created dissatisfaction among some Democrats, potentially affecting Benson.
- Last spring Democrat Chedrick Greene won a Senate special election by roughly 20 points, which Dailey described as a possible referendum on the Republican administration and Trump. "People thought that the Democrats had a pretty good chance to hold on to this seat," she told WCPT. "But it is a swing seat in our state Senate, and so for a Democrat to win by that big of a margin, I think, is definitely a bellwether going into this general."
- Michigan’s constitutional convention ballot question has broad opposition from groups across the political spectrum, but polling shows substantial support and many undecided voters.
- A potential lame-duck session could involve property tax reform and negotiations over nine previously vetoed bills.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820

Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal 

Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal

WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal

Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal