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TROY — In the Troy Times’ coverage area, voters will decide various state, county and local primary races Aug. 6, including a local council seat.
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 11
Two Democrats and two Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Ahmed Ghanim
Age: 49
Occupation: Healthcare Management
Municipality of residence: Ferndale, MI
For how long: Oakland County since 2002
Online campaign information: www.AG4Congress.com
Education: Medical Degree - Bachelor Degree in Medicine and Surgery
Previously and currently held elected offices: Not Applicable
Top goals: If elected, my top priorities are to end endless/costly wars, reduce healthcare costs, tackle inflation, and invest in our local economy. I will focus on reforming immigration, protecting Michigan’s clean water, and advocating for the environment. By addressing these critical issues, we can create a stronger, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all Michiganders. Together, we will make a real difference. We are the Answer.
Democrat
Haley Stevens
Age: 41
Occupation: Congresswoman from Michigan’s 11th District
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: First Seaholm Grad to Congress!
Online campaign information: https://haleystevensforcongress.com/
Education: I received both a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy and a M.A. in Social Policy and Philosophy from American University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am serving my third term as the Congresswoman for Michigan’s 11th district.
Top goals: I am running for re-election to continue to build on my legislative track record of delivery for Oakland County. Whether on trade, manufacturing, and education issues; each term in Congress I have passed laws to meet the needs of our district. With over 200 visits to manufacturers through my Manufacturing Monday program and helping shepherd the CHIPS and Science Act into law, the families of our district remain my top priority. We must enshrine women’s rights like abortion access into law and protect the LGBTQ+ community. I remain committed to equality and justice for all.
Republican
Charles Frangie
Age: 74
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Twp.
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information: frangieforcongress.com
Education: Law Degree University of Lebanon, University of Mississippi, JD LLM
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Reducing inflation so families can better make ends meet is my top priority. No longer should the most expensive vehicle operated by a family be a shopping cart. I will also work with President Trump to secure our southern border and end the illegal immigration that is causing a crime wave across the nation, including right here in Oakland County. I will also fight the Biden Electric Vehicle mandate that threatens Michigan’s most vital industry.
Republican
Nick Somberg
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
State House of Representatives District 56
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
State House of Representatives District 57
Three Democrats and one Republican are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Aisha Farooqi
Age: 40
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: www.farooqifor57.com
Education: University of Detroit Mercy-School of Law (JD). University of Michigan-Dearborn (BA).
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As an attorney, I know the importance of representing and listening to the needs of our community. In Lansing, I will:
• Protect our democracy.
• Safeguard reproductive healthcare.
• Invest in public education funding and teacher salaries.
• Lower costs for seniors.
• Make healthcare, prescription drugs, mental health, and addiction services affordable.
• Support small businesses and create good paying jobs and protect workers’ rights.
• Expand access to affordable childcare.
• Improve road/water infrastructure.
• Support our local police and firefighters.
Democrat
Tyler Fox
Age: 28
Occupation: Purchasing Coordinator at the City of Sterling Heights
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: Five Years
Online campaign information: foxformi57.com
Education: Masters in Public Administration at Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: This campaign is centered on lowering housing costs for renters and homeowners, making childcare more available for young families, and making healthcare more accessible for our seniors. I am running to stop the regular blackouts faced in our community, reign in our energy costs, and bring investment back to our district from Lansing. I am also looking to pass Universal Parental Leave and Eliminate Medical Debt in our State.
Democrat
Douglas Waggener
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired IBEW Local 58 Electrician
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 36 years
Online campaign information: thevoiceofthemiddleclass.com
Education: BSEE ‘90 Lawrence Technological University. Certificate in construction management OCC 2014.
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: The main goal of my campaign is to give some recognition and validity to my thoughts on the current issues concerning all of us today. I would like to develop a website called www.opensourcelegislation.com where everybody is welcome to contribute and vote on the final draft of laws that are written by the people and brought forth either in the classic method via a legislator, or through the ballot initiative or referendum.
Republican
Thomas E. Kuhn
Running unopposed.
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 1
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running unopposed as a Republican to compete for one four-year term in November.
Democrat
Charlie Gandy-Thompson
Age: 58
Occupation: Engineering Leader (22 years)
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: @CGT4OCC
Education: MS Engineering Management and BS Computer Engineering both from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I am committed to ensure communication and implementation of initiative that ensure safety and security for all residents. Collaboration between the community and law enforcement is critical to ensure safety for bikes, water (pool/lakes), fast cars, and yearly activities. I am committed to work on policies and initiative that strengthen law enforcement and response to mental illness and supporting innovative ideals. Multiple safety strategies are required to ensure the security of all residents.
Democrat
Dave Woodward (I)
Age: 48
Occupation: Chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, small business owner
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak, MI
For how long: 45+
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: B.S. Mathematics, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative (1999-2004), County Commissioner (2005-present)
Top goals: Build an economy that works for everyone by lowering costs and raising wages for working families:
• Achieve 80% of workforce having a post-secondary degree or skill certification.
• Eliminate burdening medical debt for families.
• Lower energy costs for seniors and working families with home energy efficiency improvements.
• Accelerate our county’s advanced manufacturing sector to make more things in America and create good-paying jobs.
• Reduce college debt for graduates.
• Improve and expand public transportation.
Republican
Regina Wilk
Running unopposed.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 2
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 3
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The annual salary for the position is $45,255.
Democrat
Ann Erickson Gault (I)
Age: 61
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: Ann4Oakland.com
Education: B.A., Manchester University J.D., University of Toledo College of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current: Oakland County Commissioner, District 3 (Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and part of Troy). Previous: Troy City Council, four years.
Top goals: As your Oakland County Commissioner, I will continue my work enhancing and expanding our parks, building affordable housing, increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and improving public transit. I will also support the Board’s gun safety, water affordability, and environmental sustainability initiatives. If elected to a new term, I will continue to invest in our communities, meet with and listen to the residents, and address my District’s needs.
Democrat
Roslyn Grafstein
Age: 54
Occupation: Mayor
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: www.electroslyngrafstein.com
Education: Economic degree, chartered financial analyst, Redevelopment Ready Communities certificate, MSU Citizen Planner course graduate, MSU Water School graduate, Level One of the MML Elected Officials Academy
Previously and currently held elected offices: Madison Heights City Council member since 2017, Mayor of Madison Heights since 2020
Top goals: My top priorities will continue to be safety and environmental initiatives to enhance infrastructure and community quality of life. I will advocate for more resources for emergency responders, including full-time mental health co-responders. I will encourage sustainable development practices, seek private grants and sponsors for environmental projects and focus on updating aging infrastructure. Additionally, I will invest in public-private partnerships to secure federal and state grants, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community improvement.
Republican
Douglas K. MacLean
Running unopposed.
Troy City Council
Two candidates are running for a position on the Troy City Council for a term that will end Nov. 8, 2027. The position pays $175 per month.
Hirak Chanda
Age: 56
Occupation: System Safety Engineer at General Motors.
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 25 Years
Online campaign information: www.hirak4troy.com
Education:
• BS in Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, India
• MS in Engineering, University of Minnesota
• MS in Engineering, University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Council Member-Troy, MI.
Top goals: If kept on the City Council, I would continue to lead our city in a positive direction. My top priorities include hiring more police officers, revitalizing our library and parks, bringing back senior programs lost during covid, preserving green space, and keeping our city attractive to businesses and families. I will continue collaborating with my Council colleagues and use my background as an engineer to make decisions based on logic and data.
Ed Ross
Age: 45
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: ed4troy.com
Education: De La Salle Collegiate; Wayne State University (B.S. Computer Science); International University of Monaco (M.B.A. International Management).
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/a
Top goals: Troy deserves a council that fixes our unsolved challenges. In my first 100 days, I will collaborate with council members to permanently conserve our green spaces, use my 5 years of experience in the Troy Fire Department to create an equitable firefighter incentive plan, work to restore police pensions, establish an EMS solution cheaper than outsourcing it, and bring back our senior programs. I aim to achieve these bold goals while responsibly managing our resources.
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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