Several little-known Michigan conservatives vied for the Republican nomination to face Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Polls closed Tuesday night, with five Republican hopefuls facing off. None of the five has been elected to public office before and many have personal baggage that could pose challenges in a general election. The four top candidates are conservative commentator and businesswoman Tudor Dixon; real estate broker Ryan Kelley; chiropractor Garrett Soldano; and former auto dealership owner Kevin Rinke. Pastor Ralph Rebandt also is running. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Dixon last week. Infighting over the 2020 election has split the state party and threatens to hobble the GOP’s efforts in the battleground state.
