The Heartbeat of Michigan Politics: From Precinct to Capitol, True Activism Matters

I’m often asked how the Michigan Republican Party structure works. Even being involved on a peripheral level for years, I can tell you there’s far more to it than meets the eye. Politics is a labyrinth of ambition, passion, and hard-fought battles. But at its heart, true activism isn’t about titles, power, or recognition—it’s about serving something greater than yourself. It's about being a light in the darkness for those who feel forgotten, disillusioned, or betrayed by the very system meant to represent them.

True activism is showing up when no one else does. It’s making phone calls that go unanswered and knocking on doors that don’t always open. It’s about believing that one conversation, one connection, can spark change. It’s about standing firm when the winds of division and cynicism try to topple everything you’ve worked for. But here’s the catch: activism isn’t glamorous. It’s hard work. And in politics, especially within our party, it can be cutthroat.

Too often, we turn on one another, fighting over scraps of influence, undermining allies, and pursuing power for its own sake. But that’s not why we’re here. That’s not why I’m here. I believe we are called to be more than that—to be a beacon of hope and unity for voters who are desperate for leadership that puts people over politics. If we can’t model collaboration and integrity within our own ranks, how can we expect to lead anyone else?

At its core, all politics is local. That’s where the real change begins, and for those ready to step into the arena, becoming a precinct delegate is the first step. A precinct delegate isn’t just a title—it’s a bridge between your community and the party. You’re elected to represent your neighbors, to amplify their voices, and to connect them with the broader vision of what we’re working toward. It’s the most grassroots level of activism, and it’s where I believe the soul of our party resides.

When you take that first step, you enter a world of possibilities—and challenges. From precinct work, many find their way into county politics. Michigan has 83 counties, each with its own unique Republican Party and leadership structure. County parties are the backbone of our movement. They’re responsible for recruiting candidates, supporting local races, and keeping conservative principles alive in our communities. But it takes more than a handful of people to make it work. It takes all of us, together, contributing our time, energy, and ideas. When I served as the executive director of the Oakland County Republican Party, I heard the same phrase over and over again: “You should…” My response was always the same: “Then come help me.” Ideas are wonderful, but they mean nothing without action. If you want to see change, roll up your sleeves and make it happen. Submit your ideas, get involved in your county party, and be part of the solution.

But the fight doesn’t end at the county level. For those who want to make an even bigger

impact, there’s the state party. The Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP) is the central hub for our statewide efforts, supporting candidates for governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and the state legislature. It’s a monumental task, and it requires leaders who can unite our party under a common purpose. Unfortunately, the quick turnover in leadership often leaves us scrambling to rebuild trust, momentum, and resources.

I believe our state party can thrive if we adopt a servant-leadership mindset. We need leaders who see their role as a privilege, not a stepping stone, and who prioritize the success of the entire party over personal ambitions. By fostering an inclusive environment, engaging with every county, and building camaraderie, we can create a unified movement that’s impossible to ignore.

At the top of the Michigan Republican Party structure is the State Central Committee, a body made up of dedicated individuals who represent every corner of our state. These are the people working behind the scenes, often thanklessly, to ensure our party remains a force for good in Michigan. They serve on subcommittees focused on everything from policy to candidate recruitment, doing the critical work that most voters never see.

Beyond the state party, congressional district committees are integral in supporting candidates for Congress and holding them accountable once in office. Michigan is divided into 13 congressional districts, with the boundaries redrawn every ten years to reflect changes in population from the census. I got my start at this level, serving on the 11th Congressional District committee. It was here that I learned the power of outreach and fundraising. Connecting with constituents who shared a common goal was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It reminded me that politics isn’t just about elections—it’s about people. It’s about giving others a purpose and helping them find meaning in their activism.

At every level—precinct, county, state, and congressional—our mission should be clear: to serve. To lift others up, to build bridges where there are divides, and to bring hope to those who have lost faith in the system. If we focus on these principles, we can rebuild trust within our ranks and with the voters who are counting on us to lead.

Politics will always be messy. It will always have its share of backstabbing, ambition, and ego. But we don’t have to let that define us. We can choose to be different. We can choose to be the

light that leads others out of the darkness. And together, we can make Michigan a place where

conservative values aren’t just ideals—they’re a way of life.