It's Just Politics

Lt. Gov. ambitions

It’s official: State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks is the Democrat's choice to run for Lieutenant Governor. Senator Brinks joins the show. Plus, a debrief on the D

A capital career

n a special It’s Just Politics, a conversation with a long-time Lansing reporter on what you should really know about the state capital. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta W

Primary turnout

More than 2.5 million Michiganders turned out to vote in last week’s primary. What can voter enthusiasm tell us about the November election? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

Where do Dems go from here?

After a contentious battle in Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, where does the party go from here? Plus, Tuesday’s election results. by Zoe Clark and Rick Plut

Primary Election Preview

With one week before Michigan’s primary election, a look at where the open races for governor and U.S. Senate stand. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political

U.S. Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed

We're in your feed again this week bringing you interviews with both U.S. Senate candidates. Today, we have former Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed. Yesterday,

U.S. Senate Candidate Haley Stevens

This week on the podcast we're doing something different. We're bringing you interviews with both U.S. Senate candidates. Today, we have U.S. Representative Haley Stevens

2026. So far.

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. Support the show:

Stevens vs. El-Sayed

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 an

Budget deadline, budget frustration

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 Clar

Data center regulations

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 Want to get po

Budget deadline, budget doubts

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 Want to get pol

Where the U.S. Senate race stands

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

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 an

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 econ

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 Ric

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

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 Z

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 Zo

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 challen