Michigan Republicans have elected a state lawmaker to lead the GOP into the 2026 midterms, State Sen. Jim Runestad whipped enough delegates Saturday after two rounds of voting to beat out the other two candidates, including Meshawn Maddock, a loyal ally to President Donald Trump who is charged with being a fake elector for Trump in the 2020 election.

Former Michigan state Sens. Curtis Hertel Jr. and Tom Barrett will face off for the 7th Congressional District.

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature want to limit Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ability to send statewide emergency alerts to wireless devices and broadcast stations except for “immediate” threats.

Republicans who control Michigan’s Senate have begun approving a $66.4 billion budget that would spend 5% more than in the current year, thanks to an influx of federal funding, but about $728 million less than what is proposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s Legislature will vote Wednesday to legalize sports betting and internet gambling, expanding options for gamblers in a state with three commercial casinos in Detroit and two-dozen tribal casinos elsewhere. Michigan will become the 20th state to authorize sports wagers and the fifth to allow casino-style games to be played online. UPDATE: Whitmer signs bills legalizing sports betting, internet gambling in MichiganA look at the development:WHEN MAY SPORTS BETTING BEGIN? Supporters said gamblers already are betting on sports and gambling online through illegal bookies or non-U.S. websites. Those offering online games like poker will pay a tax of between 20% and 28%, depending on their amount of adjusted gross receipts.