In a development that further exacerbates the leadership crisis within the Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP), the top attorneys of the Republican National Committee (RNC) have declared that the ousting of chair Kristina Karamo earlier this month was indeed legitimate. This declaration comes after weeks of silence from the national party regarding the turmoil engulfing the state Republicans.

The factional split within the MIGOP, fueled by ideological and personal differences, has caused chaos within the swing state party just months before the 2024 presidential election. Recent tensions escalated to the point where two feuding groups within the party claimed to be the rightful leaders.

RNC general counsel Michael Whatley and chief counsel Matthew Raymer expressed their belief in a letter obtained by the Guardian that the January 6 vote, which led to Karamo's removal, was in accordance with the MIGOP bylaws. Despite Karamo's refusal to accept the legitimacy of her removal, the RNC attorneys assert that their preliminary review supports the decision.

However, the RNC's position is not considered final or binding, and the factional dispute within the state party remains unresolved. The attorneys' opinion does provide some guidance for Michigan and national Republicans as they prepare for their upcoming winter meeting in Las Vegas at the end of the month. Notably, the RNC had remained silent on the matter, even though its current chair, Ronna Romney McDaniel, is a former chair of the Michigan Republican Party.

The attorneys' letter further stated that both Karamo and Pete Hoekstra, who was elected to replace her, will not be "credentialed as MIGOP chair" at the forthcoming meetings. This decision underscores the ongoing divide within the party.

Nevertheless, Karamo and her allies maintain that even a ruling from the RNC will not remove them from leadership. In an email to precinct delegates on January 25, the Michigan GOP general counsel, an ally of Karamo who was also removed in the January 6 vote, acknowledged the authenticity of the RNC letter but dismissed its relevance to any resolution.

Karamo assumed the chair position a year ago, inheriting a financially strapped and divided organization. However, under her tenure, the party's troubles have only deepened. Known for her advocacy of election conspiracies and controversial statements, Karamo failed to deliver the promised grassroots funding, leading to divisions within county chapters. The state GOP even faced legal battles and took out a loan to cover an exorbitant speaking fee for a QAnon figure at a conference.

With tensions simmering for months, a group of Michigan GOP committee members finally ousted Karamo on January 6. As the RNC remained silent, other influential Michigan and national Republicans voiced their frustrations. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), responsible for Republican House candidates, expressed concerns about the party's dire financial state and mismanagement.

The election year adds urgency to the need for party unity, as major donors such as the DeVos family have withdrawn support. Karamo's opponents hope that Pete Hoekstra, a former ambassador to the Netherlands under the Trump administration, can bridge the gap between the party's activist base and traditional donor class. However, local dissent remains a challenge, as lower-ranking party members feel their input was disregarded.

As the Michigan GOP prepares for its winter meeting, the leadership crisis continues to cast a shadow on the party's unity and ability to effectively support Republican candidates.