As the deadline to file for office approaches, more candidates are throwing their hats into the ring for local State Representative, County Commission, and City Council races.
Following the announcement that Andrew Beeler will not seek re-election to the 64th house district, numerous Republicans and now one Democrat are hoping to take his place. Republican Ryan Maxon and Democrat Ken Heuvelman are the latest to join the in on race to fill Beeler’s seat. They join the likes of Jorja Balwin, Gary Eisen, and Joe Pavlov who have already filed to run for office. The 64th State House district includes Port Huron and surrounding areas as well as much of Northern St. Clair County and Sanilac County’s Worth Township.
Meanwhile, former Ottawa County aide and St. Clair County native Jordan Epperson has withdrawn his name from the August ballot in the 64th State House district.
Four Republicans are also vying for the 2nd County Commission District currently represented by Jorja Baldwin. They include Jeff Pemberton, Steve Tebay, David Hoffman, and Ken Cummings.
District 5’s Jeff Bohm who represents, the city of St. Clair and the townships of St. Clair, East China, and Kimball is up against Jay Wetzel. Dave Vandenbossche, the county’s southernmost district 7 Commissioner faces opposition as well from newcomer, Tiffany Turke. Lastly on the county level, Debbie Rhein has entered the race to become St. Clair County Clerk, challenging incumbent Angie Waters.
In the city of Port Huron, eight are now running for three open City Council seats. Sherry Archibald, Terri Lamb, and Bob Mosurak are all seeking re-election for another four year term on council. The will face challenges by Barbara Payton, Julian Ruck, Richard Carwile, Holden Gauthier, and John Middleton. On the mayor’s side of things, Pauline Repp is seeking re-election to another two year. Current Councilwoman Anita Ashford is challenging Repp for the mayor’s position.
In the event that Ashford is successful in her bid for mayor, or Pemberton successful his his run for County Commission, an additional fourth seat will be open on City Council. That seat would be filled by either the next highest vote getter if they obtain at least 25% of the vote, otherwise, the vacancy will be filled by the remaining members on city council.
Potential candidates have until April 23rd to file to run in the August primary for partisan elections. City council candidates have until July 26th in order to appear on the November general election ballot.
