Conservatives leaders from Michigan met at Mackinac Island last weekend for the state’s Republican Leadership Conference where former President Donal Trump received more than 47 percent of the vote in an early poll regarding the 2024 Republican nomination.
The event included keynote speakers such as Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem and South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
HAPPENING NOW: South Dakota Gov. @KristiNoem has taken the stage here at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. Noem opens her remarks by telling the story of when she met Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Says “your Governor is a mess.” Crowd gave her a big laugh. pic.twitter.com/4ULJqq4h3y
— Robert Sherman (@RobertShermanTV) September 25, 2021
The straw poll revealed Trump winning with just over 47 percent of the vote, strongly ahead of any challenger, though still below a majority of 50 percent.
Former President Trump won the straw poll at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference (Michigan) by over 20%, though did not win a majority. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took second place — consistent with CPAC Orlando (February) and Dallas (July).
— Robert Sherman (@RobertShermanTV) September 27, 2021
GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told the audience, “We will win back the House and Senate but only if we are united,” and, “remember who we’re trying to beat.”
McDaniel: “We will win back the House and Senate but only if we are United.” Adds “remember who we’re trying to beat.”
— Robert Sherman (@RobertShermanTV) September 24, 2021
The event confirmed Trump’s influence in the party, while also revealing strong energy from conservatives heading into the 2022 midterm election.