By Trendsetter Tribune 
The 2026 Michigan Republican primary for governor has been jolted by the rhetoric of Anthony Hudson, a truck driver from Genesee County, whose repeated calls for the “public hanging” of elected officials have drawn fierce condemnation from Democrats and raised questions about the silence of his own party.
Hudson, a political outsider running as a hardline “patriot,” has made these threats a centerpiece of his campaign messaging twice in the first six weeks of the year, framing them as a matter of “law and order.”
A Timeline of Threats
Hudson’s rhetoric has targeted both high-ranking federal senators and local city council members.
- January 4: The “Rope” Video: In a social media post, Hudson appeared holding a large coil of rope. He called on “Michiganians” to take action against U.S. Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, alleging they were part of a “treasonous” scheme involving kickbacks from the former Venezuelan regime. He stated, “It’s time to get the rope.”
- February 1: Mason City Council Meeting: During a public comment session regarding a controversial data center development, Hudson turned his focus to local officials. After accusing the council of ignoring the public, he warned: “The punishment for treason is public hanging. So, I suggest you start listening.”
Doubling Down on “Enforcement”
When pressed for an apology or retraction by the Michigan Advance, Hudson refused to back down. He argued that his comments were “educational” rather than threatening.
“Know the law and the consequences! I didn’t write the law, as governor I will enforce the law… Don’t come at me for holding them accountable and saying the worst part out loud.” — Anthony Hudson via email.
Context: The “Illegal Orders” Video
Hudson’s rhetoric mirrors a escalating national tension regarding military and law enforcement loyalty.
- The Conflict: In late 2025, six House Democrats—including Elissa Slotkin—released a video addressed to the U.S. military, reminding service members that they are legally obligated to refuse orders that violate the Constitution or federal law.
- The Response: President Trump characterized the video as “seditious behavior” and “treason,” declaring on social media that such actions are “punishable by DEATH!” Hudson has aligned his campaign closely with this interpretation of the law.
Reactions from the Field
The Michigan political landscape is sharply divided over how to handle Hudson’s presence in the primary:
| Entity | Stance/Action |
| Michigan Democratic Party | Called for an immediate apology; urged the Michigan GOP to condemn “political violence.” |
| Michigan Republican Party | No Response. The party has remained silent on Hudson’s specific comments as of mid-February. |
| Primary Rivals | Other GOP candidates have largely avoided mentioning Hudson, focusing instead on polling leaders like Perry Johnson and Tudor Dixon. |
| Law Enforcement | Local authorities in Mason noted they were “aware” of the comments but have not yet filed formal charges. |