Primary Election Overview: 96th House District

Liz Gullett

Jun 23, 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 96^th House District is in Bay County and includes; Bangor Township, Bay City, City of Essexville, Frankenlust Township, Hampton Township, Kawkawlin Township, Merritt Township, Monitor Township, and Portsmouth Township. The district has a 57% Democratic base, whoever wins the contested Democratic primary is the odds on favorite to be the next 96^th State Representative.

Commentary

State Representative Charles Brunner (D-Bay City) is serving his third and final term due to term limits, leaving the seat open. This is now down to a two-man race. Of the three Democratic candidates that filed, Brian Elder has seemingly gained good traction and for that reason is being watched closely by Lansing insiders. He will be running hard again Donald Tilley for the Democratic nomination. Democrat Brian DuFresne recently withdrew from the race and isn’t campaigning, but his name will still appear on the ballot.

Democratic Candidates:

Brian DuFresne – Middle School Principal and former public school teacher.
Brian Elder – Attorney and former Bay County Commissioner.
Donald Tilley – Public school teacher and Bay County Commissioner.

Republican Candidates:

David Scholl – Executive Director of a company providing translations for the hearing impaired.

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