Primary Election Overview: 26th House District

Liz Gullett

Jul 19, 2016

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 26^th House District is located in Oakland County and includes the cities of Madison Heights and Royal Oak. While the northern portion of Royal Oak gives the Republican a base, it’s not nearly strong enough to help them carry the seat in November. This seat is all but assured to stay in the Democratic party win column.

Commentary

Representative Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak) can’t run for reelection due to term limits. The Democratic candidate, Jim Ellison, is the longest serving mayor of Royal Oak, giving him a lot of name recognition in the community.

Democratic Candidates:

Jim Ellison – Mayor of Royal Oak.
- Endorsements – Sierra Club, County Road Association of Michigan, MI AFL-CIO, Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Royal Oak Police Officers Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Republican Candidates:

Randy LeVasseur – Attorney.
- Endorsements – Great Lakes Education Project, Small Business Association of Michigan (Stamp of Approval).

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