Politics in southeast Michigan have changed dramatically in recent decades.

Oakland County is more Democratic, while Macomb is more Republican.

But neither party is assured of victory in this three-county area – even Wayne County. While Detroit is harder to win, Republicans have a better chance of organizing votes in the downriver communities and the northern suburbs.

So what are Republicans in the state currently doing to win over voters in Wayne County? And is there a plan to persuade and mobilize moderate voters?

To discuss this, we have Hassan Nehme, vice chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, with us. He says many Republican voters are hesitant to share and talk about their political beliefs.

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“There are so many Republicans who are operating undercover. I mean, we need to have this discussion openly and be able to talk to move our country forward,” Nehme said. “So we need to allow them to talk.”

Nehme observes a decreasing attachment to the political parties.

“It’s not that Republicans and Democrats are still fighting. Personally, I think I care about religious freedom,” Nehme said. “But many people – particularly people of color, minority groups and other faiths – join the Republican Party because of these issues. They’re not so concerned about the general … the umbrella term itself.”

More headlines from The Metro for August 12, 2024:

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• CuriosID: WDET reporter Amanda LeClaire investigated the history of the Belle Isle Boathouse and how it fell into disrepair. Earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced plans to demolish the building due to limited funds. But there was a bold attempt to save it. State agencies have put out an open call for proposals to rehabilitate the building. Those proposals are currently being reviewed by the DNR.
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