By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)
Rumblings over Congressman David Trott's retirement have simmered for months, but Trott made it official Monday when he announced he will not seek a third term in the House.
Since then, rumors have swirled about a number of candidates who may run for the seat in what is sure to be the most watched legislative primary in Michigan for the 2018 cycle.
Here are 20 candidates whose names have surfaced in the discussion:
State Rep. Martin Howrylak is term limited and could decide to give the race a shot...
Business owner Lena Epstein is currently running for US Senate, but may find this race too good of an opportunity to turn down...
MIGOP Deputy Chair Jeff Sakwa seems to be comfortable with his real estate business, but you never know...
Political Operative and former MIGOP Coalitions Vice Chair Adi Sathi would be an underdog, but he's a hard worker who would undoubtedly stand out in the race given his age and heritage...
Plymouth Township Superviser Kurt Heise is a former State Rep. who may decide he's ready to give DC a try...
State Senator Mike Kowall is currently running for Secretary of State, but is said to be considering abandoning the race and avoiding a tough convention fight in favor of a Congressional run...
State Senator Marty Knollenberg, who hails from a prominent political family in the region, has strong name ID in the area. He recently opened a new restaurant...
State Rep. Klint Kesto is said to be considering foregoing a State Senate race in favor of trying to win the Trott seat...
Former Congressman Thad McCotter's ballot issues in 2012 paved the way for Trott's election, and McCotter is said to want the seat back...
Former State Rep. Hugh Crawford has had his name tossed around, though he's unlikely to abandon his bid for State Senate to replace Mike Kowall...
Businessman John James is a Veteran currently running for US Senate, but like Epstein, he lives in the district and may find this race more appealing...
Businessman Rocky Raczkowski is a former State Rep. and 2016 Trump Michigan Veterans Chair who lost his Congressional bid to Gary Peters a few years ago by just 2%... Could 2018 be Rocky's year?
Lebanese Chamber of Commerce President John Akouri has been a Congressional staffer, 2016 Michigan Trump Co-Chair, former city councilman in Farmington Hills and a GOP strategist. He recently began hosting a radio show on WJR...
State Rep. Jim Runestad is running for State Senate and is unlikely to drop out, but his name continues to come up in the discussion...
State Rep. Mike McCready is term limited from the legislature and is said to be giving this race a hard look...
Former Congressman Kerry Bentivolio was defeated by Trott in a heated and bitter 2014 primary, and Bentivolio ran against him as an independent in 2016...
Michigan Trump Republicans Co-Founder Meshawn Maddock is a grassroots favorite and is one of the top conservative activists in the state...
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard has the name ID, connections, and fundraising ability to be a leading contender should he enter the race...
State Rep. Laura Cox is running for State Senate, but many supporters are urging her to give this race a look...
Former State Rep. Eileen Kowall is an Oakland County Commissioner who may enter the race if her husband Mike continues his bid for Secretary of State...
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
RE: Lena potentially pivoting to a US House Run. I would be far more inclined in supporting the very inexperienced and rough around the edges Lena for a House (1 of 435) seat (where she can learn and grow) and reduce the pressure in the USSenate (1 of 100) Race where we need the Conservative, Constitutionalist, Former Michigan Supreme Court Justice, infinitely and indisputably qualified, Bob Young Jr.!!! Next we need to encourage the very promising John James (Businessman, War Vet, etc, better suited vs Peters) to get behind Bob Young Jr to replace Stabenow and that we would all get behind him in 2020 to replace Gary Peters. That leaves Sandy Pensler needing to bow out entirely (do the right thing). This solves many issues/problems!
ReplyDeletelearn more: http://facebook.com/groups/thxalotdebbie
("Thanks Alot Debbie, NOT" - Replace Stabenow Group)
Story: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/09/13/lena-epstein-trott-house-seat/105579026/
And, frankly, Lena has the Money to BUY the Seat just like Trott did. I'd be happy to make the deal - I'll support Lena (above all other Comers) for 11th for bowing out of the USSenate Race.
While I'll openly admit to not knowing Lena well, I do know her well enough that I gave her Oakland Co. Rep. Party nominating speech for the Oakland Co. Chair.
ReplyDeleteI liked her then and I like her now.
I live in the 11th CD, so my interest is more than passing.
Lena swims in establishment waters with comfort and sway. So did Congressman Trott prior to his election.
My biggest fear is replacing a liberal Republican with another go along to get along partisan.
I'm confident she'll switch her targeted seat from Senate to House, and I'm fairly confident she'll raise the bar set by Trott to at least a D+, and with any luck, maybe even a steady C.
Republicans have so many good, experienced possibilities, as well as some promising talent- great to see!
ReplyDeleteThe puppet for the Michigan controlling RINO Establishment Machine bunch of manipulative Neocons, David Trott should never have run against the GOP sitting Congressman Kerry Bentivolio in the first place.
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How did you manage to leave out Northville's own Ronna Romney McDaniel? She'd hardly be the first national Party Chair to also hold elected office. There's also state Sen. Patrick Colbeck, who (one can assume) is smart enough to realize he has no chance at Governor against Schuette, but will still need a job after 2018?
ReplyDelete