LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Three Upper Peninsula Republican lawmakers say they are withdrawing their support for U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman following his endorsement of Beau LaFave in the race for Michigan’s 38th Senate District.
State Sen. Ed McBroom and state Reps. Greg Markkanen and Karl Bohnak announced Tuesday that they are rescinding their endorsement of Bergman after he backed LaFave in the Republican primary for the seat McBroom currently holds.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers said Bergman had previously indicated he would not endorse in the race. McBroom accused the congressman of breaking that promise and interfering in a contest outside his district.
“This time, he straight up lied to me,” McBroom said in the release. “Now he’s siding against the clear, best option for the U.P. I will not stand by silently while he undermines the work we have done for the U.P.”
McBroom also raised concerns about LaFave hiring the consulting services of Bergman’s chief of staff, alleging a conflict of interest. He said he would not support Bergman in future elections.
Markkanen said Bergman did not contact local lawmakers before issuing his endorsement and criticized what he described as the congressman’s absence from the region.
“That decision was made carefully by us who live here and have worked with both candidates for years,” Markkanen said, referencing the group’s earlier endorsement of Rep. Dave Prestin. “Dave has the experience, commitment, and understanding the U.P. needs right now.”
Bohnak framed the dispute around energy policy, citing what he called threats posed by Michigan’s 2023 clean energy law to mining, forestry, and manufacturing in the Upper Peninsula.
“You would think the Congressman might ask those of us in Lansing why we support Prestin before backing someone else and trashing us,” Bohnak said.
Prestin, who is seeking to succeed McBroom in the 38th District, said he is grateful for the support of the U.P. legislative delegation.
“I never sought Congressman Bergman’s endorsement,” Prestin said. “I want the support of people who live here, work here, and know what’s happening in the U.P. For me, this race is about peninsula over party.”
Bergman announced his endorsement of Beau LaFave earlier this week, calling him “one of the hardest-working people I know in politics” and praising his willingness to “challenge the status quo.”
“I proudly endorse Beau LaFave for Michigan’s 38th Senate District, and I ask you to join me in voting for him in the Republican primary this August,” Bergman said in a joint release.
LaFave welcomed the endorsement, thanking Bergman for his service and aligning himself with former President Donald Trump.
“President Trump, General Bergman, and I will work together to preserve and defend the U.P. way of life for generations to come,” LaFave said.
McBroom, Markkanen and Bohnak first endorsed Prestin in October. According to the release, Prestin has also received support from Diane Casperson, the wife of the late Tom Casperson.
The 38th Senate District seat is open due to McBroom’s term limit. The Republican primary is scheduled for August.
