The political landscape in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula is becoming increasingly competitive as more candidates announce their intentions to challenge incumbent Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) for his seat in the U.S. House.
According to Federal Election Commission filings, Matthew DenOtter, a businessman and realtor, has filed to run for the Republican nomination in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District. This district encompasses the entire Upper Peninsula and a significant portion of the northern Lower Peninsula. Currently residing in southeast Michigan, DenOtter’s campaign was unavailable for comment prior to the release of this article.
DenOtter, who previously lost the 2022 GOP primary in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District in metro-Detroit, shared insights into his professional background during the Keeping Up with the Chaldeans Podcast in 2022, highlighting his 21 years in pharmaceuticals and five years in real estate. He has also articulated his stance on various issues, affirming to WDET his support for gun rights and reducing business regulations. “I will not support any legislation that will interfere with Americans’ right to protect themselves or their families,” he stated.
Additionally, DenOtter has expressed pro-life views and advocates for making adoption more financially accessible through stipends and tax incentives, emphasizing the importance of creating a “welcoming community” for unexpected pregnancies.
Joining DenOtter in the Republican primary challenge against Bergman is U.S. Army veteran Justin Michal, who aims to run a grassroots campaign. Michal emphasized the need for open dialogue: “I’m just here as a person saying listen, I have conservative values, but we need to open better forms of dialogue,” he remarked. He is optimistic about his campaign’s reach, claiming “strong favorability” in 22 to 24 of the district’s 36 counties.
Meanwhile, tensions have surfaced in the Republican ranks as three state lawmakers recently withdrew their endorsements of Bergman, opting instead to support State Rep. Dave Prestin’s (R-Cedar River) bid for the state Senate. Among those withdrawing support are State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah), State Rep. Gregory Markkanen (R-Hancock), and State Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton). McBroom, who faces term limits, expressed disappointment with Bergman, stating, “Jack promised me he would not be endorsing in this race.”
Bergman, for his part, reiterated his endorsement of former State Rep. Beau LaFave over Prestin, describing his critics as “do nothing anti-Trump political insiders who’ve fought me since 2016.”
Despite the challenges, Bergman maintains a financial edge in the race, as FEC data indicates he has over $1 million in receipts and more than $550,000 in cash on hand. In contrast, his closest Democratic opponent, Callie Barr, has reported $184,593.96 in receipts.
Alongside Barr, Democrats Kyle Blomquist and Wayne Stiles, as well as Independent candidate Zebulon Featherly, are also vying for the congressional seat. An upcoming candidate forum hosted by Up North Advocacy at Lake Superior State University on Feb. 27 will provide candidates an opportunity to present their platforms, though attendance is yet to be confirmed.
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