General Election Overview: 97th House District

Liz Gullett

Oct 27, 2016

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 97^th House District includes the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, and a portion of Osceola. The district has a 55 % Republican base.

Commentary

Representative Joel Johnson (R-Clare) is serving his third and final term in office leaving this seat open. The seat was last held by a Democratic legislator in 2002 when the seat was more competitive. The GOP base has grown since that time and is likely to remain in the Republican column this November.

Democratic Candidate:

Robert Townsend – Pain and addiction management physician.
- General Endorsements – Michigan Laborers, Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

Republican Candidate:

Jason Wentworth – East Central Michigan Regional Coordinator for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Army Veteran.
- Primary Endorsements – Great Lakes Education Project, Michigan Freedom Network, National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan.
- General Endorsements – Police Officers Association of Michigan, Michigan Manufacturing Association, Michigan Corn Growers Association, Small Business Association of Michigan.

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