MichMash Politics

Unjumble Michigan politics with MichMash. Each week, Cheyna Roth, Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben interview lawmakers and politicos, and unpack the statewide issues that affect you. MichMash is produced by WDET Detroit Public Radio in collaboration with Gongwer News Service. Part of the NPR Network.

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Episodes

Genesee Co. Sheriff Chris Swanson on his gubernatorial run, vision for Democratic Party

This week on MichMash, gubernatorial candidate and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson sits down with Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben to share why he’s running for governor and what he believes the Democratic Party needs moving forward. Plus, Zach and Alethia analyze the recent collaboration — and conflicts — between Michigan’s Democratic-led Senate and Republican-led House.

CEO of Michigan Health and Hospital Association says protecting Medicaid protects Michigan

Medicaid funding has been in the headlines as the Trump administration said they are willing to cut "waste, fraud and abuse" from the program. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow talk with Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters. Peters shares how important Medicaid is for Michigan.

Also, another Democratic candidate has entered Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial race. Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has thrown his hat in the ring as a contender for the seat. Roth and Gorchow discuss how Gilchrist fares against his competition.

Benson on voter citizenship proposal: 'We already do evaluate citizenship'

A voter citizenship proposal that aims to have voters show proof of citizenship in Michigan was presented at a committee hearing in the state House this week. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the partisan divide this proposal has caused.

Plus, Michigan Secretary of State and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson stops by to share her thoughts on the proposal. She explains how Michigan already evaluates citizenship at registration. Benson also details why she decided to run for Michigan's governor.

Governor Whitmer's penultimate State of the State, calls for bipartisanship and road proposals

Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her second-to-last State of the State address and she urged Michiganders toward unity and togetherness. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the major elements of her speech and what stood out the most. And later, we have Denise Donohue from the County Road Association of Michigan discussing potential road funding measures.

Whitmer signs minimum wage bill, House Oversight Committee outlines policy plans

After some compromise, the Michigan Legislature passes a revised version of the minimum wage/sick leave laws late Thursday. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss what this means moving forward. Plus, Kasben spoke with Michigan House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) about the committee's policy plans.

Programming Note for February 21st 2025

Today's episode of MichMash will be delayed until 4:00pm on February 21st to give you the most up-to-date reporting on what's going on at the state capitol in regards to the minimum wage bill. Tuen in this afternoon to check out the brand new MichMash for the week.

Michigan AG discusses legal challenges to Trump, open US Senate seat

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer coined the phrase "Fix the damn roads" while on the campaign trail in 2018. But as she reaches the end of her term, how does the governor plan on getting the job done? This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow break down a comprehensive plan introduced by the governor's office this week.

Also, Alethia sits down with Attorney General Dana Nessel to discuss the halt to President Donald Trump's federal employee "buyout" offer.

Governor Whitmer's $83.5 Billion Budget: What makes this budget season different?

Budget season is here, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put forth a $83.5 billion dollar proposal that targets environmental measures, mental health, a tax on vapes and more. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Bridge Michigan's deputy editor Jonathan Oosting to discuss what is likely to pass as the budget goes through sub committees.

Sen. Gary Peters' retirement; Duggan on running for governor as an independent and more

Many in Washington and across the state of Michigan were shocked by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' announcement this week that he will retire from Congress when his term ends in January 2027. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss who could possibly fill the vacant seat. Plus, Detroit Mayor and Michigan gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan joins the show to share more about his decision to run for governor as an independent.

Michigan House passes bills to preempt court ruling on minimum wage, paid leave

The GOP-led Michigan House passed two bills this week to curb some of the changes to the state's minimum wage and paid sick leave laws set to take effect next month following a Supreme Court ruling. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow talk to Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice and state Rep. Bill Schuette (R-Midland) about the general support and opposition towards the change.

Roth and Gorchow also discuss Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race.