For all this DePerno and Karamo have been richly rewarded. Michigan Republican Party co-chair Meshawn Maddock endorsed DePerno, breaking with the norms of staying out of primaries and convention contests.

The major factor in their success at the convention on Saturday was Trump’s seal of approval. In a February 21 letter to Michigan delegates endorsing DePerno, Trump said he was “fully invested” in Michigan and “eager to see this state flip red once again.” And Trump has followed through: He has made himself available for Mar-a-Lago fundraisers, tele-townhalls, and rallies for the candidates.

All because Trump believes one thing.

“This choice is not just about 2022,” Trump said while talking up DePerno during one of the events. “This is about ensuring the state of Michigan cannot be stolen from Republicans in 2024 or ever again.”

Translation: If one MAGA conspiracy theorist were to occupy the state’s highest law enforcement office and another were the state’s top elections official, it’s easy to imagine Republican electoral losses being overturned. The fix would be in.