Michigan Voters Will Make Big Decisions in Tuesday’s Primary Elections

Michigan Public Radio’s Cheyna Roth and the Detroit News’ Jonathan Oosting preview the primaries.

Jake Neher/WDET

Tuesday is a big day in Michigan state politics. It’s primary election day.

We’ll learn who the Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians (for the first time ever) nominate for governor. Former Congressman John Conyers’ long-held seat will ostensibly be filled. A few congressional toss-up districts will lock in their contenders. And local races throughout the region will shape what the next few years could look like for many communities.

So what are the big races to keep your eyes on? And what should we read from the results?

Click here to see which candidates and questions will be on your ballot in the August 7 primaries, and click here for more of WDET’s 2018 elections coverage.

Michigan Public Radio Network State Capitol Reporter Cheyna Roth and Detroit News Political Reporter Jonathan Oosting join Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to preview Tuesday’s primaries and talk about the races they’re watching most closely.

Which contests are you most interested in seeing tomorrow?

Cheyna Roth: The U.S. Senate race.
“You’ve got John James and Sandy Pensler kind of duking it out (on the Republican side),” says Roth. “And James recently got that Trump endorsement, which, I think if the race ends up going to Pensler, will be very indicitive of how powerful that Trump really is in Michigan.”

Jonathan Oosting: The Democratic primary for governor, as well as congressional districts that are safely in the hands of either party.
“Because some of these congressional districts are drawn in a way that they’re not highly competitive between the two parties, the primary is, in effect, the election,” says Oosting. 

Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.

Author

  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.