A recent lawsuit filed by a group of Michigan Republicans in Kent County aims to officially remove Kristina Karamo as chairwoman of the state’s GOP. The legal action, filed by lawyers with the law firm Warner Norcross and Judd, argues that Karamo’s refusal to allow the committee and the Michigan Republican Party to move forward requires swift judicial intervention. The lawsuit contends that Karamo had violated the party’s bylaws, constituting a breach of contract.
The plaintiffs in the case included Malinda Pego, Ali Hossein, Hassan Nehme, Norm Shinkle, and Warren Carpenter. The filing in Kent County Circuit Court comes as a contentious struggle for control of the Michigan Republican Party continues to play out.
Kristina Karamo, a former secretary of state nominee, was elected chairwoman in February 2023 but faced challenges due to fundraising struggles that left the GOP with $35,000 in its bank accounts in August. Her term was also characterized by internal divisions.
Karamo’s critics on the GOP’s state committee gathered petition signatures and submitted them on Dec. 2, ultimately leading to a special meeting to consider her possible removal. While Karamo set a meeting, she didn’t recognize the purposes for the gathering that her opponents had set, according to the lawsuit. Karamo’s opponents held their special meeting on Jan. 6 with 40 state committee members voting to remove her as party chair. Then, on Jan. 13, Karamo held her own meeting with 59 committee members voting to keep her.
However, her opponents argued that Karamo’s meeting was “illegal and improper” and are seeking a judge’s declaration to officially remove her as chairwoman and declare all actions taken by Karamo after her removal as void.
This ongoing dispute will culminate with the anti-Karamo faction gathering to vote on a new party chair, with candidates including Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, businesswoman Lena Epstein, and Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Vance Patrick.
The lawsuit is the latest development in a lengthy battle for control of the Michigan Republican Party and comes in advance of the November presidential Election.
The historic power struggles within the Michigan Republican Party have intensified in recent months, leading to legal action and a divisive atmosphere within the party. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for the party’s future in Michigan Politics.
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