Contested state and local races set for St. Joseph County primary ballot
St. Joseph County voters will decide a number of competitive federal, state, and local races when they head to the polls for Michigan’s August 4 primary election.
Three Rivers voters in the city’s 2nd District will also have a competitive local race. Josh Hoeppner, Maurice D. Kelly, and incumbent Steven Haigh are seeking the seat. Because the office is nonpartisan, the top vote-getter in the primary will advance according to the city’s election rules.
St. Joseph County voters will decide a number of competitive federal, state, and local races when they head to the polls for Michigan’s August 4 primary election.
The ballot includes contested primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, and several legislative seats that represent St. Joseph County, according to the county’s unofficial candidate list released May 19.
On the Democratic side of the gubernatorial race, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces Christopher Robert Swanson, Justin Blackburn, and Kim Thomas. Five Republicans remain on the ballot after Tom Leonard withdrew: Ralph Rebandt, Mike Cox, John James, Aric Nesbitt and Perry Johnson.
Michigan’s open U.S. Senate race also features crowded primaries. Democrats will choose among Haley Stevens, Mallory McMorrow, and Abdul El-Sayed. Republicans will select either Mike Rogers or Bernadette Smith.
Locally, one of the most closely watched races is for the 17th Michigan Senate District, which includes St. Joseph County and neighboring communities. Democrats Ashleigh Baker of Marcellus, Mike D. Jones of Niles, and Brett Muchow of Buchanan are competing for their party’s nomination. Republican Jonathan Lindsey is unopposed.
The 36th House District, which includes much of St. Joseph County, will also feature contested primaries. Three Rivers resident Cole Slaski is the lone Democratic candidate. On the Republican side, incumbent State Rep. Steve Carra faces Luke Lori, also of Three Rivers, and Max Coon of Constantine.
In the 5th Congressional District, Democrat Christian Vukasovich will challenge longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in November. Neither faces a primary opponent.
Three Rivers voters in the city’s 2nd District will also have a competitive local race. Josh Hoeppner, Maurice D. Kelly, and incumbent Steven Haigh are seeking the seat. Because the office is nonpartisan, the top vote-getter in the primary will advance according to the city’s election rules.
The ballot also includes a nonpartisan race for a six-year term on the 3B District Court, which serves St. Joseph County. Sturgis attorney Tim George is the only candidate listed on the ballot.
Voters can register in-person at their city or township clerk’s office through Election Day. Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter, and early in-person voting is expected to begin in the days leading up to the election under Michigan law. Voters should check with their local clerk for exact dates and locations.
The primary election will be held Tuesday, August 4. Winners will advance to the November 3 general election.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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