Are Democrats planning to vote in the Republican primary?

With the Republican primary just a few weeks away, rumors have started to spread that Democrats are planning to vote in the primary in order to sway the results. As part of the weekly series MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth sits down with Gongwer’s Alethia Kasbento unpack what’s really happening.

Empty voting booths

Voters in Michigan’s new 95th state house district will soon vote in the August Primary. The frontrunner, Bill G. Schuette, son of former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, is up against Midland County Clerk Ann Manary.


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Manary is a pro-choice Republican, standing in stark contrast to Schuette, and most other GOP primary hopefuls.

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, rumors have started to spread that Democrats may join Republican voters in the August primary with the intent of tipping the scales in Manary’s favor.

Strategic crossover voting is relatively unproven and presents a risk for any Democrat considering crossing the aisle for their August ballot, says Alethia Kasbento, Managing Editor for Gongwer News Service.

In this episode:

  • Rumors spreading that Democrats may vote for pro-choice Republican Ann Manary in August primary
  • “Adopt and Amend” bills from 2018 challenged in Court of Claims
  • Update on ballot initiatives for November
  • Ryan Kelley still in the running for GOP primary following arrest over Jan. 6

More from MichMash:

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Author

  • David Leins
    David Leins is a Podcast Coordinator and Producer at WDET. He also oversees the StoryMakers program. When he isn't making radio and podcasts, David is probably on a hike somewhere marveling at the trees.