LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Kristina Karamo, a failed secretary of state candidate who was elected as the Michigan Republican Party’s chair last February, was “properly removed” from the position earlier this month by party members, according to an initial review done by the Republican National Committee.
The Republican National Committee, or RNC, said their determination was not final and could change depending on additional information. It came in a letter sent Wednesday by RNC attorneys to both Karamo and former Congressman Pete Hoekstra, who was elected as the new chair by a group of Michigan GOP members.
“Based upon its initial review, it appears to the Counsel’s office that Ms. Karamo was properly removed in accordance with the MI GOP bylaws,” read the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
While RNC members are expected to meet following a Jan. 30 winter meeting to make further recommendations, the dispute over the Michigan GOP chair position will likely play out in court in the months to come.
The latest development in a months long dispute over the state party’s leadership comes about a month before the state holds its presidential primary and in a year where Michigan Republicans are desperate to win back some power after historic losses in 2022.
Republicans are hoping to win an open U.S. Senate seat next year in addition to multiple competitive House races. Control of the Michigan House, which is currently deadlocked at 54-54 after two seats were vacated by Democrats, will also be up for grabs this year.
Earlier this month, close to half of the Michigan GOP’s voting members came together to vote Karamo out as chair, citing fundraising woes and months of infighting. Eight of the state party’s 13 congressional district chairs had called on Karamo to resign and her own co-chair, Malinda Pego, aided the effort to remove her.
The group then voted to elect Hoekstra as the…
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