Michigan gubernatorial candidate leaves GOP, will run as independent

Karla Wagner says lack of exposure for candidates and focus on “money over merit” drove decision as she campaigns on eliminating property taxes

SAGINAW, Mich. — A candidate for Michigan governor says she is leaving the Republican Party and will instead run as an independent, citing concerns about fairness and access within the party’s primary process.

Karla Wagner confirmed the decision during an interview, calling it a “tough decision” given her campaign’s progress toward qualifying for the Republican ballot.

“We don’t have to turn our signatures in to get on the ballot until April,” Wagner said. “I think I will have enough to be on the ballot as a Republican. So it was really a tough decision to change parties, because now I have to start all over.”

Wagner said she will now run as a “nonparty affiliate,” which requires a separate petition process. Unlike major party candidates, independent candidates do not participate in a primary election and instead advance directly to the general election if they meet signature requirements.

She said her decision was driven by frustration with what she described as unequal treatment among Republican candidates.

“How are we getting fair and free elections when our own party is deciding who the voters get to see and hear from?” Wagner said.

Wagner argued that some candidates are being elevated through debates and forums while others are excluded, limiting voter exposure to a broader field.

“You can continuously see five or six of them that are getting propped up,” she said. “The rest of us are not.”

She also criticized what she described as an overemphasis on fundraising in determining candidate viability.

“It’s money over merit,” Wagner said. “It’s not how qualified you are. Their qualification is how much money do you have to spend?”

Despite leaving the party, Wagner said she continues to receive invitations from Republican groups and grassroots supporters across the state.

“They’re like, we don’t care what you run as,” she said of one recent event invitation. “We like you, we support you.”

Her campaign is centered on eliminating property taxes, which she described as the key issue facing Michigan’s economy.

“The basis of my campaign is property tax elimination,” Wagner said. “If we want to fix Michigan, we have to address the budget.”

She said her proposal is aimed at making the state more affordable and attracting businesses and residents.

“This is about making Michigan affordable,” she said. “It’s bringing businesses, jobs, people and revenue back to the state.”

Wagner acknowledged that running as an independent could impact the broader race, but said her focus remains on advancing her policy goals.

“The people that agree with me … they’re going to stick with me,” she said.

She also indicated she plans to continue advocating for property tax elimination regardless of the election outcome.

“I’m going to be carrying the flag and screaming total elimination all the way to the general election,” Wagner said.

Under Michigan law, independent candidates must submit qualifying petitions by late June to appear on the November ballot.