Political consultant Scott Greenlee believes he has “a proven track record, the skill set, and network” to effectively lead the Michigan Republican Party through the 2026 midterms.
The president of Grand Rapids-based Greenlee Consulting announced his bid to replace current party chair Pete Hoekstra in a post to X on Thursday that outlined what he views as critical priorities over the next two years.
The next Michigan Republican Party chair must unite the party, “raise millions and millions of dollars” from new and existing donors, build an effective statewide team to lead hundreds of volunteers, demonstrate successful executive leadership, manage media and other communications, and leverage “proven campaign experience” to secure wins at the statewide and local levels, Greenlee wrote.
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“I have a proven track record, the skill set, and network to achieve the above listed items and more,” the post read. “As a lifelong Michigander, I am passionate about our party and our state succeeding.”
Greenlee is the fourth candidate to announce join the race to replace Hoekstra, who was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as ambassador to Canada. Hoekstra took over the role from Kristina Karamo, who was removed amid questions about her financial and fundraising choices.
Greenlee ran for the party chair in February 2023, but lost to Karamo.
“Over the last 35 years, I have raised millions of dollars for conservative causes while participating in over 100 winning campaigns,” Greenlee wrote in a column for The Detroit News at the time. “I have seen what works and what is worth refining. I am eager to learn from the new voices at the table and build on the wisdom of those who have invested sweat, tears and resources in our party over the years.”
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Campaign finance records show Greenlee Consulting worked in 2024 for Michigan House candidate Brian Ignatowski, Kent County judicial candidate Daniel O’Hara, state Rep. Jay Deboyer, R-Clay Twp., St. Joseph County probate judge candidate Kelly Ward, Otsego County probate judge candidate David Delaney, and St. Clair County probate judge candidate Steven Heisler.
The firm also contributed to campaigns for former Michigan Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, state House candidate Thomas Konesky, state Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, Michigan Supreme Court candidate Mark Boonstra, Michigan Supreme Court candidate Patrick William O’Grady, Michigan House Speaker-elect Rep. Matt Hall, R-Richmond Twp., Genesee County judicial candidate Nancy Chinonis, Kent County judge candidate Nick Gumina, and others.
Through Oct. 20, Greenlee Consulting collected $327,349 for political work during the last election cycle, though that total will likely increase with a final post general election report due by Jan. 31.
Candidates who consulted with Greenlee in 2024 had mixed results, with victories in November for O’Hara, Deboyer, Konesky, Roth, and Hall, while the rest ultimately did not prevail.
Michigan Republicans are expected to select the next party leader at a Feb. 22 convention that will also feature bids from state Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, former U.S. ambassador Joseph Cella, and conservative activist Meshawn Maddock, wife of state Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford.
Michigan’s 2026 midterm election will feature contests for the state House and Senate, as well as governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and U.S. House and Senate seats.
Democrats are also expected to select a new party leader in early 2025, following Chair Lavora Barnes’ decision in November not to seek a fourth, two-year term.
Former state Sen. Curtis Hertel, an advisor to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, announced his bid to replace Barnes in December, as did liberal Detroit activist Al “BJ” Williams, according to The Detroit News.
Whitmer, who is term limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026, has backed Hertel to lead Democrats through the midterms. Hertel lost his race for the U.S. House to Republican Tom Barrett in November.