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 79^th House District is located in the southwest of the state in Berrien County.  It contains Bainbridge Township, Benton Township, Benton Harbor, Bridgman, Coloma, Coloma Charter Township, Hagar Township, Lake Charter Township, Lincoln Township, Royalton Township, St Joseph, St Joseph Charter Township, Watervliet, and Watervliet Charter Township.  The district has a 58% Republican base.

Commentary

With current Appropriations Chairman Al Pscholka unable to run because of term limits, this seat will have a competitive Republican primary.  Given the strong base, Republicans aren’t concerned about keeping this seat in their hands.  The district contains both urban and agricultural areas.  Republican candidate Ryan Arnt has received the endorsement of Representative Pscholka, a large boost to his campaign.  Republican candidate Troy Rolling has worked on campaigns in the past, including Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign, and in 2011 he unsuccessfully ran for Michigan GOP Chair.  Republican candidate, Kim LaSata’s husband served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1999-2004 and he is currently a circuit court judge.  Republican Mary Brown has unsuccessfully ran twice for the House seat as a Democratic candidate.

Democratic Candidates:

• Marletta Seats – Evangelist and Berrien County Commissioner

   

  • Endorsement – Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad

Republican Candidates:

• Ryan Arnt – Real estate broker

   

  • Endorsement – Michigan Association of Realtors
• Mary Brown
• Kim LaSata – Elementary school teacher, grape vineyard owner

   

  • Endorsement – Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey (He is also a campaign co-chair)
• Troy Rolling – Small business owner

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