Endorsements
This page will update frequently
"Currently, excuses are being made as to why we lost in 2022. Senator Jim Runestad and I have something in common. We both won in 2022 despite Michigan Republicans losing the trifecta and the loss of almost every other contested race.
I am a true Conservative. I am a reformer. I hope you will join me in this effort. I believe in Senator Runestad. He is also a reformer. This is why I have endorsed him for MiGOP Chairman".
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State Representative James DeSana
"My friend, Jim Runestad, is running for Michigan Republican Party Chair. He's a man of integrity, a proven leader, and someone who genuinely cares about the future of our party. I trust his vision, hard work, and ability to bring people together".
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Sunny Reddy WSU Board of Governors Elect
"I am proud to endorse Senator Jim Runestad for the position of MIGOP Chair.
Over the past four years, I have worked closely with Jim through the Axmitax organization and petition to eliminate property taxes in Michigan. Jim fully supports this movement and has been a source of encouragement and invaluable insight into governmental procedures, policies, and overreach".
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Karla Wagner of Ax MI Tax
"Senator Runestad is the right person at the right time to lead the MIGOP as Chairman. He has the political background and personal passion to restore and return the political power of the MIGOP back to the delegates. I personally endorse Senator Runestad for MIGOP Chairman."
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Mark Smith Benzie County GOP Chair
"Michigan needs more conservatives like Senator Runestad. He has represented us well. He is down to earth with core beliefs and values I can get behind and support. This is why l'm giving my endorsement to Senator Jim Runestad for MIGOP Chairman "
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Jordan Youngquist Kent County Executive Committee
"Constitutionally Conservative:
I would like to endorse Senator Jim Runestad for MIGOP Chair. Jim has shown that he is a champion of our conservative values. Jim understands the constitution.
He will represent and support the grass roots of our party. Jim will fight the globalists, tyrants, despots within our party. Jim has a great track record for raising money. I support him and I encourage you all to support Jim Runestad for MIGOP Chair.".
Mike Grover St Clair County GOP Vice Chair
"My endorsement for Michigan Republican Party Chairman goes to Sen. Jim Runestad.
Over the past decade he has exhibited the ability to raise funds and win. Winning in 2026 is extremely important and Sen Jim Runestad is the man for the job."
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Bob Hoffman Oakland County Commissioner
"I personally endorse Jim Runestad for GOP chair. I believe that he is a fighter. I believe he's a good grassroots person and a standup guy."
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Luke Deming Huron County GOP Chair
It is with an eye toward the future that I endorse Michigan Senator Jim Runestad for Chair of the Michigan Republican Party. Jim has the heart of a patriot and is fighting for the next generation. He is a Patriot not a Politician. Politicians are concerned about the next election while patriots are focused on the next generation.
Senator Jim Runestad stands for freedom from oppression and tyranny. I believe that he will have an impact upon the new generation of Grassroots and Republicans that is growing across Michigan and the United States.
My prayer for Jim is that he will connect to the Lord’s purpose and will for the State of Michigan and that he will be a leader that pulls others to following and growing in Jesus.
Thank you for your consideration of Michigan Senator Jim Runestad for the position of Chair of the Michigan Republican Party.
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State Representative Joseph Fox
"I'm thrilled to endorse Jim Runestad and Bernadette Smith for Chairman and Co-Chair of the Michigan Republican Party. As conservative leaders they have consistently demonstrated a commitment to our core values: limited government, personal responsibility, and free markets. They also share the conservative priorities of faith, family, and freedom. It was indeed these principles that carried Donald Trump to his landslide victory, and those same principles will help us defeat Democrats in Michigan".
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Lance Griffin Kent County Michigan Trump Elector
“I had the privilege of serving with Senator Runestad when we were both in the Michigan State House and was a witness to his unmatched ethics, his integrity, and his commitment to conservative values. I firmly believe there is no one who has served in the legislature who surpasses him in these qualities. He has my strongest endorsement for Michigan Republican Party State Chair.”
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Bruce Rendon Former State Representative
“I am proud to endorse Senator Jim Runestad for Chair and Bernadette Smith for Co-Chair of the Michigan Republican Party. Together, they represent a dynamic and principled leadership team that will restore strength, unity, and purpose to our party. Senator Runestad’s proven legislative experience, integrity, and dedication to transparency perfectly complement Pastor Smith’s unwavering faith, grassroots advocacy, and commitment to conservative values. Their vision and leadership will energize our base, advance the conservative agenda, and ensure a brighter future for Michigan. I urge all Republicans to support this outstanding team.”
Tera Dahl
Former Deputy Chief of Staff for National Security Council under Trump Administration
“This team has our full endorsement. Jim served in the State House with Tom. Tom has high respect for Jim’s unwavering support for conservative and biblical values without compromise. That’s why Jim was voted second most conservative in his voting by MIRS news service. Bernadette is my good friend and I know she is courageous and uncompromising to stand on Truth alone even if it costs her politically. If you want leadership that will stand firm on the values that you know are right and matter to you than you will support Jim and Bernadette as State Chair and Co-Chair of Michigan GOP, a very strategic role to make our party strong.”
Former State Representative Tom and Pam Hooker
"Please join me in congratulating Jim Runestad and Bernadette Smith as they run for Chair and CoChair for MIGOP. I am impressed by Jim's record as one of the most conservative members of the Michigan legislature and Bernadette's work as MIGOP Ethnic Vice Chair. Based on their joint focus on Faith, Trust and Unity I believe the Republican party in Michigan will thrive under their leadership. Based on that, they receive my full endorsement."
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Chip Netzel MI GOP District 3 Chairman
"Happy to support Jim Runestad for MIGOP Chair. Many of us have known Jim for years - since our TEA Party days from 2009. He's been a constant and consistent voice for conservative values and principles. Jim has a history easy to research, proving he's been in the trenches defending the planks of our Republican Platform.
His list of supporters come from those who actually call Michigan "home" and have been active in the movement, voice, and fight to defend the freedoms Americans hold dear."
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Sharon Lolio Livingston County Delegate and Former Tea Party Leader