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 23^rd House District is located in Wayne County and includes the cities of Gibraltar, Trenton, and Woodhaven and the townships of Brownstown, Grosse Ille, and Huron.  The district has a 50.46% Democratic base.

Commentary

Representative Pat Somerville (R -New Boston) can’t run for reelection due to term limits, leaving this seat open.  Representative Somerville unseated then Democratic Representative Deb Kennedy in 2010.  The Republican candidate sits on the city council and has experience campaigning, while the Democratic candidate is making his first run at an elected office.  This November, the seat will be a toss-up between the two candidates.

Democratic Candidate:

• Darrin Camilleri – High school social studies teacher, Youth in Government advisor, chair of the social studies department.
  • Primary Endorsements – Michigan Federation of College Democrats, State Senator David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights), Teamsters Joint Council #43.

Republican Candidate:

• Bob Howey – Trenton City Council member, architectural firm owner.
  • Primary Endorsements – Great Lakes Education Project, Free Press Editorial Board, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan.
  • General Endorsements – National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan, Property Management Association of Michigan.

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