This year, due to retirements, there are two open Congressional districts in Michigan.  As is the case when a seat opens, several candidates throw their name into the hat to compete in the primary race.  This year was no exception, except that in both races despite there being several high political profile candidates, the “outsiders” won the Republican primary in both seats.

The 1^st Congressional district is open due to the retirement of Congressman Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls).  Among those vying in the Republican primary were two established candidates, both who had served time in the state legislature.  The third candidate was a relative unknown.  Former Senator Jason Allen, a well-known fixture of the northern lower peninsula and Senator Tom Casperson were viewed as the likely front runners given their experience campaigning and time serving in state government.  However, these two seasoned candidates spent much of their time campaigning against one another, leaving the door open for Jack Bergman, who would go on to win the Republican primary.  The outsider movement, however, did not transfer to the Democratic candidates.  In that primary race, Lon Johnson, former Michigan Democratic Party chairman, won the primary over the unknown candidate. 

The ramifications are far reaching in this seat, it has changed back and forth between Republican and Democratic control, and is viewed as a toss-up in the upcoming November election.  Having run the state party, Mr. Johnson is well versed in running a successful campaign.  Mr. Bergman will need a strong staff to help him run an equally tough campaign if he hopes to help keep this seat in the Republican column.

• Republican candidate Jack Bergman http://www.bergmanforcongress.com/
• Democratic candidate Lon Johnson http://www.lonjohnson.com/

Also open this year, is the 10^th Congressional district.  Long time Michigan political figure, Congresswoman Candice Miller, has chosen not to run for reelection in this seat.  Five Republicans filed to run in the primary election.  Of those, one is a sitting Representative, one is a sitting Senator, and a third is a former Senator.  The years of successful campaigning however did not help these three candidates win.  As was the case in the 1^st district, the outsider won this race.  Paul Mitchell, whose only elected official position includes being a member of the St Clair City Council for a partial term, won the primary race.  Also similar to the 1^st district, on the Democratic side, former Representative Frank Accavitti won the primary race over the unknown candidate.

This district has a 58% Republican base, and the outsider, Mr. Mitchell, is all but assured victory this November.

• Republican candidate Paul Mitchell http://paulmitchellforcongress.com/
• Democratic candidate Frank Accavitti https://www.facebook.com/accavittiforcongress/

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