Since 1955, Michigan Republicans have gathered every two years at the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island to discuss ideas, to learn how to articulate the Republican message and to interact with fellow Republicans from across the state and the country. The Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference has become one of the premier Republican events in the Midwest.

Speakers over the years have included, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senator John McCain, Congressman Ron Paul, Governor Mitt Romney, Governor John Engler, Ari Fletcher, Governor Rick Perry, Governor Nikki Haley, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, Governor Rick Snyder, Senator Rand Paul, Karl Rove, Senator John Thune, Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Jeb Bush, Governor John Kasich, Carly Fiorina, Governor Eric Greitens, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Congressman Jason Chaffetz, Governor Matt Bevins, US Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Governor Ron DeSantis.

Over the years, the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conferences have played an important role in helping the Republican Party achieve a several major goals:

Ideological Consensus: Republican leaders have used these gatherings to lay out their party’s essential beliefs and values. They have helped to build Republican unity on critical topics like jobs and the economy, infrastructure, education and public safety.

Candidate Promotion: The Mackinac conferences have been instrumental in promoting and supporting Republican candidates at all levels of government. From presidential hopefuls to candidates for the U.S. and State House and Senate, as well as Michigan’s Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, many have prioritized attending the Mackinac Conference as a key part of their campaign efforts.

Networking and Collaboration: Attendees, including party officials, activists, and contributors, have utilized these conferences to network and collaborate on political efforts. These connections have frequently led to coordinated efforts in political campaigns and policy advocacy.

Policy Development: The conferences have facilitated important policy discussions, allowing Republican leaders to fine-tune their views. These discussions have contributed to the development of cohesive policy agendas that are appealing to voters.

Mobilization and Fundraising: The events functioned as a rallying point for Republicans, galvanizing the party’s grassroots and inspiring supporters to become more involved in campaigns. Furthermore, the presence of influential contributors and supporters has aided fundraising efforts.

National Visibility: The conferences have garnered national media attention, allowing Republican leaders to disseminate their thoughts to a larger audience. This greater prominence has helped shape public opinion and influence national political discourse.

Party Unity: These conferences have promoted party unity by bringing together disparate factions within the Republican Party. They have frequently functioned as a platform for Republicans to reconcile disputes and develop a feeling of common purpose.

Electoral Success: The techniques and ideas discussed at these conferences have contributed to the Republican Party’s political success in Michigan and elsewhere. Many of the candidates and leaders who spoke at these rallies went on to win elections, cementing the party’s dominance even more.

In summary, the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conferences were successful in advancing Republican ideas, building unity, establishing political careers, and contributing to electoral successes. These events have played an important role in the Republican Party’s efforts to shape its message and attain political success.