August 21, 2025
Here’s Episode 144 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast!
00:00-16:46: Detroit Politics/Gavin Newsom/MI MAGA Defunding Schools
Pat Johnston opens the show discussing some Detroit politics, and he wonders if corporate “independent” gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan will back Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell’s campaign to win Detroit’s 7th District on the City Council. Don’t hold your breath! Pat takes Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to task for refusing to call an election for a state senate opening. And Pat explains how Michigan MAGA House Republicans are working to defund public schools.
16:47-46:52: Kelli van Ginhoven Interview
Democratic state Senate candidate Kelli van Ginhoven talks with Pat about her decision to run for the open seat in 2026. Ms. van Ginhoven’s currently the Delta County Commission’s vice-chair after she helped spearhead an effort to defeat the commission’s MAGA majority. Kelli’s a former preschool teacher and a former small business owner. She’s been involved in several governmental boards and charities both in Escanaba and Delta County, and now wants to use her experience, expertise, and passion to push a working class agenda for the 38th Senate District. If you’d like to help Kelli van Ginhoven out, visit her Act Blue page.
46:53-52:00: Last Call on Corporate Mike Duggan
The “Last Call” continues highlighting how Detroit Mayor, and “independent” gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan, is a pure corporatist politician. He has no working class agenda, and that’s why he’s receiving lots of MAGA donor support.
52:01-56:31: Ending/Betsy Coffia
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NOTES:
“Entering The Race: Escanaba Woman Runs For State Senate.” By Daily Mining Gazette
