McCall Hamilton Advocacy and Public Affairs

Updates About Governor

Governor Whitmer's Latest Appointments

Update: Jan 22-Feb 3, 2025

The Governor has announced new appointments and reappointments to several state boards and commissions. Below is a summary of some of the latest appointments

  • Board of Chiropractic: Cecil Forbes (reappointed)

  • Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing: April Davidson and Mitchell Holaly (both reappointed).

  • Board of Licensed Midwifery: Sarah Andrews (succeeding Heather Robinson) and Celeste Groenenberg (reappointed).

  • Board of Occupational Therapy: Cristian LaBar (reappointed).

  • Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery: Ronald Bishop (reappointed).

  • Board of Physical Therapy: Benjamin Eggleston (succeeding Nora Cascardo).

  • Board of Psychology: Harper West and Melissa Grey (both reappointed).

Senate Democrats File Lawsuit Against Speaker Hall

Update: Jan 22-Feb 3, 2025

Senate Democrats have filed a lawsuit in the Court of Claims against House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), alleging that he is unconstitutionally withholding nine bills passed in the 2023-2024 session from being presented to Governor Whitmer for signature.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) announced the lawsuit, emphasizing that legislative leadership cannot override constitutional requirements. The bills in question cover various issues, including increasing public employer contributions to employee health insurance, allowing Detroit history museums to seek a property tax millage, adjusting corrections officers’ pensions, and protecting certain public benefits from debt garnishment.

Hall’s office has cited legal and technical concerns as the reason for the delay, but Democrats argue that the governor has the sole authority to review legislation once passed.

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt Announces Bid for Governor

Update: Jan 1-21, 2025

Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt has officially entered the 2026 race for Michigan governor, becoming the first major party candidate to declare his candidacy.

Nesbitt has stated his campaign will have a “Michigan First” agenda, while highlighting his background as a dairy farmer, father, and advocate for small business, agriculture, law enforcement, and the Second Amendment. He also expressed strong support for President Donald Trump and pledged to prioritize Michigan families and workers.

Other Republicans, including former Attorney General Mike Cox, 2022 candidates Tudor Dixon and Kevin Rinke, U.S. Representative John James, and former House Speaker Tom Leonard, are rumored to be considering bids at this time.