DGA Statement on Kevin Rinke’s Entrance Into Michigan GOP Primary

Unimpressed with the hand-picked candidate of GOP insiders and serial question dodger James Craig, the crowded and divisive Michigan Republican primary for governor primary just got even messier. This time, self-funder Kevin Rinke officially launched his campaign for governor with news he’s ready to spend an “initial investment” of $10 million to buy the nomination, joining a field that also includes Garret Soldano and Tudor Dixon, among others.

Democratic Governors Association Executive Director Noam Lee released the following statement:

“Despite his status as Michigan Republican insider’s hand-picked candidate for governor, James Craig’s campaign has been such a disaster it’s only inspiring more Republican candidates to join the already crowded primary. It’s no surprise Kevin Rinke is announcing his run as Craig continues to dodge critical questions about the legitimacy of our elections and his plans to grow the economy and fix the roads, while staying silent on the Texas abortion ban.

“Kevin Rinke joins the rest of the GOP candidates who are using the race to appeal to the radical, right-wing of their party, spouting off conspiracy theories instead of pushing for more shots in arms, spreading the same dangerous lies about the 2020 election that led to the Jan. 6th insurrection and pushing a harmful agenda that would hurt Michigan’s economy and devastate public schools.

“Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen is delivering for working families. She’s made historic investments in funding public education without raising taxes, standing up to Republican attempts to ban abortion, and fulfilling her promise to fix roads and bridges, all while leading the state’s successful economic recovery. No matter who survives the GOP’s nasty primary, Michigan families will remember it’s Gov. Whitmer who always puts them first.”