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SOUTHFIELD/LATHRUP VILLAGE — In the Sun’s coverage area, voters will decide various state, county and local primary races Aug. 6. Below are profiles for candidates running for office. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim. Profile forms were not sent to candidates who are running unopposed in their party.
U.S. Senate
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and four candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one six-year term in November. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Hill Harper
Age: 58
Occupation: Actor, Author, Activist
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 8 Years
Online campaign information: www.hillharper.com/
Education: Harvard Law School J.D. Cum Laude, 1992
• John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University M.A. with Honors, Public Administration,1992
• Brown University B.A. Magna Cum Laude, Economics/Sociology (Valedictorian) 1988
• US Marine Corps OCS, Platoon Leaders Class 1, Honors Graduate, Quantico, VA 1986
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As your U.S. Senator, my top goals would be ensuring universal healthcare for every American, safeguarding reproductive rights for all, enacting common sense gun reform to enhance public safety, reducing car insurance rates to ease financial burdens, increasing funding for education to improve our schools, and passing the PRO Act to protect workers’ rights and strengthen unions. These priorities reflect my commitment to creating a fairer, healthier, and safer society for everyone in our state.
Democrat
Elissa Slotkin
Age: 47
Occupation: U.S. Representative (MI-07)
Municipality of residence: Holly
For how long: Grew up in Michigan; I now live on my family farm
Online campaign information: elissaslotkin.org
Education: Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Science, Bachelor’s Degree and Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Affairs
Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (Formerly MI-08, now MI-07 due to redistricting):
Top goals: My number one priority is to make it easier for Michiganders to get into the middle class. Michigan invented the middle class by maintaining a strong union presence and making investments in small businesses. We can keep people there by reducing healthcare costs, putting Americans on the path to homeownership and making more critical items in America. I am committed to restoring the national standard set by Roe, and ensuring voting rights for every American.
Republican
Justin Amash
Age: 44
Occupation: Lawyer and small business owner
Municipality of residence: Cascade Charter Township
For how long: 20+ years in Cascade. I’ve lived my whole life in Michigan.
Online campaign information: www.justinamash.com
Education: A.B., Economics, University of Michigan; J.D., University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative, 2011-2021; Michigan State Representative, 2009- 2010
Top goals: My priorities are to follow the Constitution, protect everyone’s rights, uphold the Rule of Law, restore representative government, read the bills, stop governing by emergency, balance the budget, defend economic freedom, end the forever war, and oppose the surveillance state.
Republican
Sherry O’Donnell
Age: 62
Occupation: Physician/ Business owner private medical practice
Municipality of residence: Stevensville; Berrien County
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: Docsherry2024.com
Education: Bachelor Degrees in Biology and Chemistry/Minor in Psychology-Hastings College, NE
Doctor of Osteopathy: College of Osteopathic Medicine OK State University: Tulsa, OK
Ministerial Certificate: Biblical studies: Victory Bible Institute, Tulsa, OK
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Securing the Borders and Inflation
Failure to secure our borders has many consequences. It jeopardizes public safety and national security. It is worsening our inflation. It also diminishes the value of citizenship in our nation. Dr. O’Donnell has been to the border and is endorsed by Tom Homan, former director of I.C.E under President Trump.
We must enact a balanced budget and stop reckless spending and entitlements. Dr. O’Donnell signed the “No New Tax” pledge
Republican
Sandy Pensler
Age: 67
Occupation: Manufacturer and economist. Owner of Pensler Capital and Korex Companies
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
For how long: No answer given.
Online campaign information: sandypensler.com
Education: Sandy worked his way through Yale University where in just four years he earned a B.A. in Chemical Engineering, a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Economics – receiving high honors in all degrees. He received his law degree, with honors, from Harvard.
Previously held and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: Restore moral direction to our decision making. Spend only on what we need not on what we want. This will reduce the deficit, inflation and interest rates. Rely on market mechanisms and competition to solve problems rather than government directives. Support decisions based on merit not skin color or creed. In foreign policy, weakness begets aggression. Stop funding terrorists if you do not want terrorism. Stop illegal immigration stone cold -no benefits except for legals.
Republican
Mike Rogers
Age: 61
Occupation: Candidate for U.S. Senate, Army Veteran, Former Congressman, State Senator, and FBI Special Agent.
Municipality of residence: Brighton, MI
For how long: Nearly 50 years
Online campaign information: rogersforsenate.com
Education: Adrian College and the University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (2001-2015), Michigan State Senator (1995-2000)
Top goals: Families are struggling under the current administration and are desperately in need of relief from the high costs of gas and groceries. As a Congressman, I earned a reputation as someone who got results for Michiganders by working across the aisle, and in the Senate, I’ll bring my experience to slash inflation, lower the cost of living for families, and secure our southern border to stop the flow of crime and deadly drugs.
U.S. House of Representatives District 12
One Democrat is on the ballot and two Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Ryan Foster was disqualified from the Democratic primary ballot and said he is running as a write-in candidate. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Rashida Tlaib
Age: 47
Occupation: U.S. Representative (MI-12)
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Lifelong Detroiter
Online campaign information: https://rashidaforcongress.com
Education: JD - Cooley Law School, BA - Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Congresswoman for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, former Michigan State Representative
Top goals: Residents want to thrive and need access to resources. That’s why I created Neighborhood Service Centers that help our families, returning $5.8 million to residents. I am working on holding the auto insurance industry accountable with the Preventing Auto Insurance Discrimination Act, founded the Get the Lead Out Caucus for clean drinking water, and I’m fighting for resources in the federal budget. I’ve secured $850,000 for Beech Wood Park and Recreation and nearly $1 million for water infrastructure in Lathrup Village.
Write-in Democrat
Ryan Foster
Age: 44
Occupation: Transportation
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: born and raised
Online campaign information: https://www.rf4us.com
Education: Ferris state BA history 2002
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Stand with Israel, in the bible, in Genesis it says, the people who bless Abraham I will bless, people who curse Abraham I will curse. People who support Gaza and are completely lost and wrong. Black representation in congress and Michigan. All these candidates use black people for votes. They never lived in black cities, work around black people or even like black people. They just run for mayor or state senate and show up in their black church (...)
Republican
James D. Hooper
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Linda Sawyer
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired Nurse Researcher
Municipality of residence: Livonia/Redford Township
For how long: 40+ years
Online campaign information: https://www.lindasawyer.com
Education: Northern Mich University/ Nursing degree
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected Delegate to the National Convention, Precinct Delegate
Top goals: 1. WALTS BILL : Decriminalization of medical marijuana on a federal level.
2. DIRECT PATIENT CARE: Low cost preventive health care I will introduce.
3. Bring back federal funding for inpatient mental health and detox.
State House of Representatives District 5
Four Democrats are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. One Republican is running unopposed in the primary. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Crystal Bailey
Age: 41
Occupation: Entrepreneur (Walk Fashion Show LLC)
Municipality of residence: Oak Park, MI
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: https://www.wevotecrystalbailey.com
Education: A.A. Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oak Park School Board of Education
Top goals: My goals are to reallocate funds to help combat the mental health crisis the State of Michigan is in. I plan to create laws that will hold gun manufacturers accountable for this public health crisis our community is faced with due to gun violence epidemic. Also, the Michigan Agee v. Benson redistricting lawsuit creates the new Motown Sound Map which creates seven majority minority Detroit Based Districts. District 5 has a 75 % Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) base. I was born and raised (...)
Democrat
Kevin Keys III
Age: 22
Occupation: Teacher
Municipality of residence: City of Oak Park
For how long: 4
Online campaign information: www.keys2success24.org
Education: Oak Park High School, Miles College- Bachelors of Science In Political Science. Texas Southern University- Masters of Education in Educational Administration with concentration in Higher Education and Human Resources
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: My primary goal is to implement an education policy that increases funding for teachers, provides more resources for students, and supports initiatives to help students access transportation to school. Additionally, I aim to expand programs that offer trade certifications and vocational training opportunities for high school graduates, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.
Democrat
Eric Love
Age: 29
Occupation: Minister
Municipality of residence: Oak Park MI
For how long: 7 Years
Online campaign information: https://ericlovemichigan.com
Education: Current Student
Previously and currently held elected offices: NA
Top goals:
• Education Reform: Increase funding for public schools, universal pre-K, and affordable childcare. Make college and vocational training more affordable.
• Workers’ Rights: Raise the minimum wage, strengthen collective bargaining, and enact paid family leave and sick time.
• Housing: Increase funding for affordable housing, implement rent control, and address homelessness.
• Gun Laws: Enact universal background checks, red flag laws, and waiting periods. Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Democrat
Regina Weiss
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Will Sears
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 54
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Executive
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland Prosecuting Attorney
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Sheriff
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Treasurer
Three Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. One Democrat is running unopposed. The salary for the position is $170,761 annually.
Democrat
Robert Wittenberg
Running unopposed.
Republican
Donna Blake
Age: 65
Occupation: CFO & Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Oxford
For how long: 23 Years
Online campaign information: Find Donna Blake for Oakland County Treasurer on Facebook
Education: Bachelor of Accountancy Walsh College, CPA State of Michigan, Executive MBA Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oxford Delegate 2010, 2023, & 2024
Top goals: Across the board, ensure our community’s money is used wisely and responsibly. You work too hard to support the current giveaways and waste. With my background in financial investigations with the FBI, I’ll root out the misuse of funds. For example, we should not be spending county taxpayer dollars to resettle people entering our country illegally. Lastly, eliminate funding for DEI—let’s stop the racism and hire the best person for the job.
Republican
Isaiah Hellner
Age: 27
Occupation: Investment Advisor/Insurance Agent
Municipality of residence: Brandon Township/Oakland County
For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: https://isaiahhellner2.adlocal.multisiteadmin.com/
Education: Bachelor of Science-Marketing from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: First time running for office
Top goals: My top goals if elected are to maintain our county’s AAA bond rating, prevent home foreclosures. Establish strong oversight mechanisms to make sure tax payer funds are used efficiently and correctly.
Republican
Susan Kuhn
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: previous Oakland County Commissioner, auditor Dayton-Hudson’s(Macys) ; current co-owner Pain Mgt Without Drugs, in home x-rays, back braces, etc
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: Homeowner since 1991 (Wattles & John R)
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Graduate with Economics/ Accounting major from Albion College
Previously and currently held elected offices: EIGHT YEARS as elected Oakland County Commissioner … and TEN years Troy Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Oakland County Treasurer’s office MUST return all the money wrongfully taken from taxpayers amounting to millions of dollars. Wrongful seizure of property for non-payment THEN selling that property for MORE than is owed and Oakland County Treasurer keeping the money is UNACCEPTABLE. Many lawsuits in favor of the property owners are delayed. Money needs to be RETURNED to original property owners that the courts have ordered NOW, no more foreclosure irregularities or $ wasted
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for a four-year term in November. The annual salary for the position is $170,761.
Democrat
Jim Nash
Age: 67
Occupation: Water Resources Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: nash4wrc.com
Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s in Political Science, minor in peace studies (1988)
Previously and currently held elected offices: I served as Oakland County Commissioner representing Farmington Hills from 2005 to 2013. I have been the elected Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner since 2013, now ending my third term.
Top goals: Continue my collaborative work with communities across Oakland County and the region to make our stormwater systems resilient to extreme weather brought by climate change and use our wastewater resources to replace fossil fuels with less expensive renewable energy. My mission is to protect our citizen’s health and safety, conserve our natural resources, continue our high-quality services, pursue sustainable/efficient infrastructure investments, protect economic prosperity for all our communities, promote public education and seek public input.
Democrat
Jim Stevens
Age: 62
Occupation: currently work for a Dept. of Defense company
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills
For how long: 37 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/870126655145858/
Education: Engineering GMU and Macomb Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: none
Top goals: Provide the best service for our Residents. Take action to ensure our lakes and rivers are safe from polluters. Use common sense measures on Septic Field maintenance. Our lakes are especially important for recreational use, our kids swim and fish in our local lakes. We need to educate on how important our resources are by keeping them clean. Our county will strive to enforce and punish polluters. SCHOOL WATER TESTING - Testing is a good safety check for our children (...)
Republican
Steve Johnson
Age: 66
Occupation: Consultant
Municipality of residence: Highland
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: Steven-Johnson.com
Education:
• MBA, Masters of Business Administration, Plymouth State University - University System of NH
• Graduate Certificate, Strategic Marketing Management, Plymouth State University - University System of NH
• BS Business Management & Economics, SUNY- State University of New York
• Harvard University JFK School, Certificate US Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies
• AS, Associate Degree in Business Management - Oakland Community College + Certificate: Business Entrepreneurship
• AA, Associate Degree in Liberal Arts - Oakland Community College
• US Navy training: Advanced Electronics - Data Systems, electricity/electronics, computer systems
Previously and currently held elected offices: No other public office.
Top goals: If elected the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, I am committed to protecting and being a good steward of our resources.
High-priority items:
• Nanoplastics and Microplastics
• PFAS
• Water Affordability
• Sustainable Water Management Practices
• Enhancing Water Efficiency
• Protecting and Restoring Wetlands
• Safety for non-municipal water residents – Well and Septic
• Reducing Operational Emissions
• Safe use of fertilizers, chemicals, salt
• Resilient Infrastructure Water, Sewer, Stormwater
• Supporting Renewable Energy Initiatives
• Public Engagement and Education
Republican
Steve Klein
Age: 37
Occupation: Driver
Municipality of residence: Waterford
For how long: 37 years, minus 8 years in Highland Twp. Ten years since moving back.
Online campaign information: cedotortoise.com
Education: Some college. Two years at Lawrence Tech in Southfield toward engineering.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: To ensure the organization is supporting staff properly, being respectful of taxpayers, and operating effectively, efficiently, and sustainably for the long-term. More detailed goals would be developed according to those overarching aims, when high-quality information is available directly from staff.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 17
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 18
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
6th Circuit Court judge
Three candidates are running for one non-incumbent 6-year term. The salary for the position is $155,621 combined from the state and county.
Tricia Dare
Age: 53
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Oakland County
Municipality of residence: Oxford
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: www.dareforjudge.com
Education: University of Detroit Mercy School of Law from 1994 to 1997: Juris Doctor. Western Michigan University from 1989 to 1993: Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Public Law) and Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Special Victims Unit, the Juvenile Justice Division, the Hate Crimes Unit and the Victim Services Division, my work has involved crimes committed against the most vulnerable individuals in our community. My goal is to bring the same dedication, compassion and fairness that I have displayed as a public servant for the past 27 years to the bench each and every day, as the next Oakland County Circuit Judge.
Nicole Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston
Age: 42
Occupation: Managing Director/Attorney
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: I’ve lived in West Bloomfield for the past 4 years. I previously lived in Southfield for approximately 14 years.
Online campaign information: electhuddlestonforjudge.com
Education: - BA in Communications from Oakland University (1999-2004) - JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010-2014)
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My priorities for this family court seat are: 1.Implementing specialized dockets and support systems to address the needs of individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. 2. Reducing delays and backlogs by streamlining court procedures and leveraging technology to expedite case management 3. Ensuring fair and equal access to justice for all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. 4.Upholding the law without bias and making decisions based on facts and legal principles
Moneka Sanford
Age: 57
Occupation: lawyer
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long:15 years
Online campaign information: monekasanfordforjudge.com
Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology, Masters in Social Work, Juris Doctorate
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My goal is to uphold justice, integrity, and fairness in every decision. I am dedicated to serving the community with respect, dignity, and impartiality. I aim to foster a transparent, accessible, responsive judicial system that safeguards fundamental rights. My background in social work enables me to apply the law with wisdom and compassion. I will listen with an open mind and deliver timely, equitable justice while preserving public safety and providing resources to strengthen families.
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