ABOUT MRLC

HISTORY

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.

2007 SPEAKERS

Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Senator John McCain, Congressman Ron Paul, Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Fred Thompson

2009 SPEAKERS

Congressman Eric Cantor, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Governor John Engler, Governor Mitt Romney, Ari Fleischer

2011 SPEAKERS

Governor Mitt Romney, Governor Rick Perry, Governor Nikki Haley, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, Governor Rick Snyder

2013 SPEAKERS

Governor Rick Snyder, Governor Scott Walker, Governor Bobby Jindal, Senator Rand Paul, Senator John Thune, Karl Rove and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus

2015 SPEAKERS

Governor Rick Snyder, RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day, Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Rick Perrym, Governor John Kasich, Carly Fiorina, Senator Rand Paul, and Lt. Governor Brian Calley

2017 SPEAKERS

Governor Rick Snyder, Betsy DeVos, Governor Eric Greitens, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Governor John Engler, former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, Governor Matt Bevins, US Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy

2019 SPEAKERS

Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, US Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy

2021 SPEAKERS

Former President Donald Trump, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Governor Ron DeSantis.

2023 OUTLOOK

The Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference will include a high-profile lineup of speakers and participants once again. With the midterm elections approaching, the conference will concentrate on measures to ensure Republican victory in both congressional and gubernatorial races.

Achievements of the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conferences

Over the years, the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conferences have played an important role in helping the Republican Party achieve a number of 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 small government, free capitalism, and strong national security.

Candidate Promotion: The conferences have played an important role in promoting and supporting Republican candidates for a variety of positions, including presidential contenders. Notable personalities such as Mitt Romney, Rick Snyder, and others have had access to a large number of Republican fans, which has aided their political careers.

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.