Through the general election on November 8, on every Tuesday and Thursday on the MLC Blog we will be highlighting races for which due to the voter base the seat could be won by either the Democratic or Republican candidate.  Candidate’s website and professional information is listed when available, in addition to a portion of endorsements (when applicable).

District Overview

The 56^th House District is located in Monroe County.  It includes the townships of Bedford, Dundee, Erie, Ida, La Salle, Milan, Riasinville, Summerfield, Whiteford, and a portion of Monroe.  The district also includes the cities of Luna Pier, Petersburg, and a portion of Milan.  The district has a 53% Democratic base.

Commentary

State Representative Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) is running for his second term in office.  This district is one of the state’s most prominent ticket-splitting districts.  Home to fiscally conservative former autoworkers, the blue-collar, middle class district also has a piece of the Toledo suburbs, which can make it an expensive race if the candidates go on TV.  This is a near split district that neither party can take for granted.  This November’s race will be a replay of the 2014 race, where now Representative Sheppard won 50.32% to 47.10% over Democratic candidate Tom Redmond.

While serving in the House, Representative Sheppard sits on the Energy Policy, Agriculture, and Local Government Committees and is vice chair of the Commerce and Trade Committee.

Democratic Candidate:

• Tom Redmond – Retired law enforcement officer, Army Veteran.
  • Primary Endorsements – Michigan AFL-CIO, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

Republican Candidate:

• Jason Sheppard – Former Monroe County Commissioner, commercial real estate agent, small business owner.
  • Primary Endorsements – Michigan Realtors Association, Relentless Positive Action PAC, Detroit Regional Chamber, Country Road Association of Michigan, Small Business Association BIZ PAC, Great Lakes Education Project
  • General Endorsement – National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan, Police Officers Association of Michigan.

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