LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan’s primary election is coming up on Tuesday. In the 109th State House District, both parties have 3 candidates to choose from. For Democrats, two Marquette residents are facing the incumbent.
The 109th is historically the only blue district in the U.P. Current representative Jenn Hill is running for a shot at her second term after working on renewable energy, dark store tax, and sextortion-related legislation over the past two years.
Hill said the relationships she’s developed in her first term would give her an advantage, allowing her to continue to address housing, roads, health care, and corrections.
“I’m running for a second term because we’ve just gotten started. We’ve gotten a lot done, but there’s still work to be done.” Hill said. “It’s been challenging. I mean there’s big economic headwinds around rising costs, but we’re, I’m laser-focused on chipping away at it and making things better and expanding people’s rights.”
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Randy Girard has worked in constituent services in Marquette County for 50 years. He said that his work in the county and having his family in the area means he is uniquely tied into the community, to best know how to address issues.
He said finding a permanent fix for the dark store tax loophole, creating more financial stability for families and young people, and public safety are all top priorities of his.
“My strength is bringing people together to resolve issues,” Girard said. “That’s what needs to happen here in the U.P. We need to have all of the representatives and the 107th, 8th, 9th, 10th district and the senator working together for the up to get things done in the U.P…”
Marquette native Margret Brumm is a patent lawyer who has had a strong voice in the community since returning to the area in 2017. She said her focus has always been making sure the Upper Peninsula gets its fair share of benefits back from tax dollars, and plans to use her background to work alongside the other U.P. representatives to find new and creative solutions.
“I go to all the city commission meetings, a lot of the planning commission meetings, I’m on the board of light and power,” Brumm said. “I try to be awake and alert to what’s happening in the city and the county, and I’m known for letting other people know what’s going on and trying to get them to the meeting so that they can contribute.”
The three candidates face off on Tuesday for their shot to keep the 109th a blue district in the Upper Peninsula.
