Through the primary election on August 2, on every Tuesday and Thursday on the MLC Blog we will be highlighting races for which the primary is the key race due to the voter base.  Candidate’s website and professional information is listed when available.

District Overview

The 18^th House District is in Macomb County and includes Eastpointe, St Clair Shores, and Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.  The district has a 54% Democratic base.  While this is a district that Republicans would normally consider in “play in” November, with so many other districts they need to protect and with a Hertel on the ballot here, they will likely stay away.

Commentary

Representative Sarah Roberts (D-Saint Clair Shores) is serving her final term in office, leaving this seat open.  Kevin Hertel, son of former Speaker of the House Curtis Hertel and bother of Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr., is seeking to extend the family legacy at the State Capitol.  Mr. Hertel has racked up a large number of endorsements, including that of outgoing Representative Roberts, and is viewed by many as the likely winner of this race.

Democratic Candidates:

• Steven Fleck
• Paul Francis – Building material salesman
• Kevin Hertel – Previously worked as Special Assistant in the Office of the President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
  • Endorsements – Congressman Sander Levin, Senator Steve Bieda, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Macomb County Treasurer Derek Miller, Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dave Flynn, Michigan Building and Construction Trades, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, Laborers’ Local 1191, Pipefitters Local 636, Michigan Teamsters joint Council No. 43.

Republican Candidates:

• Renata Polonaise

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.