It’s said that all politics is local. But these days, that doesn’t appear to be so true. Instead, a lot of it is national because that’s where the drama is — much of it at the hands of President Donald Trump. 

The Republicans who disagree with the president are more likely to lose during an election year. 

That’s why Trump’s endorsements for U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers and gubernatorial candidate John James matter so much. But who are these candidates outside of Trump’s endorsement? What do they stand for? And, what do they need to do to win come November?

Dennis Darnoi is the founder of Densar Consulting, based in Farmington. He often promotes Republican candidates. Darnoi spoke with host Robyn Vincent about the Republicans advancing to the general election in both the Senate and governor’s race.

Editor’s note: Our guest mischaracterized Abdul El-Sayed’s work on medical debt. As Wayne County health director, El-Sayed launched a program that set aside $7 million to erase up to $700 million in debt for 300,000 residents, buying it from providers at a bulk discount. Bridge Michigan reported in June that about $57.4 million has been settled so far, for roughly 83,000 residents, and that El-Sayed has overstated the program’s results on the campaign trail. The program is still active. Our guest also referred to a “$40 trillion budget deficit.” That figure describes the national debt, which is approaching $40 trillion. The federal deficit for fiscal year 2026 is projected at roughly $2 trillion.

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Michigan voters went to the polls Tuesday to select candidates who will meet in the general election in November. 

Congressman John James won the Republican primary for governor.  He had a tough competitor in businessman Perry Johnson.  Johnson ran a steady flight of television commercials, at times portraying James as a “DEI candidate.”  During the course of the Republican primary, James made few appearances in the city of Detroit.  

During his victory speech Tuesday night, James laid out his plans if he’s elected Senator. “We’re going to cut taxes.  We’re going to lower your energy bills.  We’re going to protect Medicaid for those who need it, while stopping fraud and abuse from those who would steal from it.”   

James will face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the November general election.  Benson easily beat Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary.  

During a speech to supporters in Detroit Tuesday night, she said she’ll work for Michigan voters if she’s elected governor in November. “Who do you want Michigan’s leaders to work for?  The people or the powerful?  Well, you all know who I work for.  I will work for all of you and every Michigander in this state.  Not the highest bidder.  Not corporate interests.  Not Donald Trump. You.”   

Benson is a Detroit resident. 

El-Sayed beats out Stevens for U.S. Senate race

In the most watched contest of the night, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.  

In a speech to supporters in Detroit Wednesday morning,  El-Sayed took aim at Republican Mike Rogers – who El-Sayed will face in the general election: “And so, Mike, and I know you’re listening, Mike.  We are coming for you.”  

With more than 60-million dollars in outside spending, the race is the most expensive U.S. Senate primary in history. El-Sayed beat Stevens by less than a percentage point. 

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Congressional primaries

Detroiters watched two Democratic primaries for Congress yesterday.  Representative Rashida Tlaib easily defeated former state representative Shanelle Jackson and Inkster Mayor Byron Nolan in the 12^th Congressional District. 

State Representative Donavan McKinney defeated incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13^th District primary.  Results show Mckinney won just over half the vote.  

McKinney says its time for a new style of politics, because it’s impossible for representatives to serve two masters. “You can’t serve the working people and the corporations at the same time.  You have to pick one, and so I think the people are calling for petter and I thing they’re calling our legislators and our Congress to do things for them and not on behalf of the few, but on behalf of the many.”   

McKinney also supported ending federal aid to Israel.  He says Congress should focus more on domestic needs.  Thanedar was seeking his third term in the U.S. House. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Other results

Incumbent Wayne County Executive Warren Evans easily won his primary race to win the right to run for another term as the Democratic candidate in November. 

Proposal S, which provides additional revenue for the Detroit Public Schools Community District passed overwhelmingly, as did the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage.  That measure will keep communities from being able to opt OUT of the SMART bus system. 

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