Ex-Michigan GOP Chairwoman Escorted Out of State Party Convention By Police

Flint, Michigan

Former Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Kristina Karamo was escorted out of the state GOP’s convention on Saturday by police, as the gathering of delegates got off to a raucous start inside the Dort Financial Center in Flint.

Disorderly Conduct

At about noon another yet unidentified individual was removed from the arena by security officers. His arms bound behind his back after objections over his disruptive yelling at people in the crowd. Meanwhile, Karamo was on the convention floor from about 11 a.m., but the party contended that she wasn’t a registered delegate from her home county of Oakland. She was surrounded by her supporters with security officials trying to converse with her.

Eventually, Karamo was walked off by two police officers — amidst shoving between a security guard and one of the people with Karamo. She was then escorted out through the lobby, during which she engaged with reporters, and finally out of the arena. Her apparent offense was her attempt to support a candidate, despite not being a registered delegate.

Karamo’s Statement and Party’s Response

“I’m here to support a candidate. Pete Hoekstra and his thugs are trying to have me thrown out of the convention.”, Karamo stated while being escorted out. “All I did was walk in to try to support a candidate, and now, they want me thrown out.”

The candidate Karamo was referring to is Alexandria Taylor, who was seeking a Republican nomination for the Michigan Supreme Court at the convention. In response, Tyson Shepard, the Michigan GOP’s executive director, stated that Karamo was not a registered delegate for Saturday’s convention, and though she was offered guest credentials, she refused to accept them, necessitating the involvement of law enforcement.

Karamo’s Party Standing and Future Implications

Karamo, who has been a favorite within the party’s grassroots wing, and a former secretary of state candidate, was elected as the state party’s chairwoman in 2023. However, she was ousted in January this year. A group of Michigan Republican state committee members disapproved of her leadership style and struggles to raise money and voted to remove her. However, another faction voted to keep her.

In February, a ruling from a Kent County Circuit Court judge legally recognized Pete Hoekstra, a former U.S. House member, as the new chairman following the accordance of Karamo’s removal with party bylaws. Hoekstra was openly booed by some during his speech at the Saturday convention.

The ejected individual post-Karamo incident seems to add to the tension within the party. He accused Hoekstra of being a “fake chair” while being taken out by police. Despite the internal disputes, Chairman Hoekstra emphasizes the importance of unity behind GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers.

Alexandria Taylor’s Views

Taylor, under whose election campaign Karamo was supposedly working, expressed disappointment over Karamo’s eviction from the convention. She made a point that irrespective of personal likes and dislikes, the common goal should be given paramount importance. “You don’t have to like who I like. I don’t have to like who you like. But we can still be on the same team,” Taylor stated.

Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER

NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.