Houghton County Democratic Party
Fall 2022 Proposition and Candidate Endorsements
VOTE BLUE AT THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS!
The Houghton County Democratic Party is proud to endorse the following propositions and candidates in the 2022 Fall Election.
Propositions
Proposition 2 - Promote the Vote 2022
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Proposition 2 is a constitutional amendment to put key voting rights directly in the Michigan Constitution. It will enhance the fairness and integrity of our elections and protect the ability of every eligible Michigan voter to be heard. Key highlights include 9 days of early voting, one-time application for absentee ballot, extra time post-election for return of military and overseas ballots, preservation of current voter ID or affidavit options, modernization of election administration. |
Proposition 3 - Reproductive Freedom for All
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This proposed amendment to the Michigan constitution will affirm that every person has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which involves the right to make and carry out decisions without political interference about all matters relating to pregnancy, including birth control, abortion, prenatal care, and childbirth. It also protects healthcare providers from prosecution. |
City and County Candidates
For Houghton City Council - Craig Waddell
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The HCDP endorses Craig Waddell in the nonpartisan election for Houghton City Council. Craig has served on the Council since May 11, 2022. An uncontested candidate, he has pledged to respect the basic principles of democratic governance, cultivate constructive relationships between neighborhoods and downtown, and respect Houghton's geological and historic heritage. |
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For Houghton County Board of Commissioners, Dist. 2 - Dan Watrous Jr.
District 2 includes Franklin, Osceola, Schoolcraft and Torch Lake Townships
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Dan is an Air Force veteran, and has been active in local VFW and American Legion posts. Dan comes from a working class background and has deep family roots in the Copper Country. He is running to keep Houghton County economically strong and competitive. He wants to keep our elections fair and safe. Dan believes Houghton County is a place where families can thrive and he will work to keep it that way, while continuing to support our local Veterans. |
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For Houghton County Board of Commissioners, Dist. 3 - Glenn Anderson
District 3 includes Adams Township, Hancock City, and part of the City of Houghton
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Glenn has represented District 3 since 2019 and is the incumbent. He has had a successful municipal management and economic development career with experience throughout the Western Upper Peninsula, working for the Village of Baraga, Village of Ontonagon and the City of Hancock. Glenn grew up and graduated from High School in Baraga, graduated with a bachelor degree from Carthage College and received a masters degree from Northern Michigan University. Glenn is married to Mary Lou, who grew up in Greenland and graduated from Ontonagon High School. They have two daughters, Stacy and Jacki, and one son who is a junior at Hancock High School. District 3 includes Adam’s Township and the City of Hancock. |
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For Houghton County Board of Commissioners, Dist. 4 - Gretchen Jannsen
District 4 includes the City of Houghton
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Gretchen has represented District 4 since 2018 and is the incumbent candidate. Shehas had roots in the City of Houghton since 1968. After graduating from Houghton High School, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Education from Boston University. She has over 17 years of experience as a real estate professional with RE/MAX Real Estate in Houghton County and the surrounding areas.Gretchen will apply her experience and knowledge on issues such as zoning, property taxes, and property ownership rights to the Board of Commissioners. Transparency of government is a priority for Gretchen and she welcomes the input of the constituents of District 4 in the City of Houghton on the county-wide issues that affect them. |
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State & Federal Legislative Candidates
For Michigan State Senate, 38th Dist. - John Braamse
The 38th District includes all of the UP except for portions of Mackinac and Chippewa Counties
For Michigan State House of Representatives, 110th Dist. - Casey VerBerkmoes
The 110th District includes Keweenaw, Houghton, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Iron, and part of Dickinson Counties
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Casey was raised in the 110th District, left for college and then returned after a few years in 2013. He says, "In short form my political philosophy rests on strengthening an economic resistance to the increasing downward mobility of the middle class, upon which our access to political equity is determined. Additionally it is important that the 110th District has someone on the ballot willing to defend reproductive rights, for which I am a strong advocate." |
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For US House of Representatives, 1st Dist. - Bob Lorinser
The 1st District includes all of the UP and all or a portion of 21 counties in northern lower Michigan
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Dr. Bob is a native to the UP. If there is one word to describe him, it is service to community. His values and policies are progressive. After medical school, Dr. Bob started his medical career with the Indian Health Service serving the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. He then spent more than two decades as a family physician in Marquette. In 2011, he joined the Department of State as a Diplomat. He did five tours in Pakistan during the search and capture of Osama Bin Laden, in South Korea, in Afghanistan, Morocco, and finally Iraq. When he thought he would retire, he was called instead to serve as medical director for the Marquette County Health Department during the COVID pandemic. And now he has a new calling – to represent the fine people of Michigan’s 1st District in Congress. |
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Michigan Executive Branch Candidates
For Governor & Lt. Governor - Gretchen Whitmer and Garlin Gilchrist II
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a tough and tested leader who works tirelessly to put Michigan first.
Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to public service, governed through unprecedented, colliding crises, and remains focused on working with anyone to get things done that will make a difference in people’s lives. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist has dedicated his career to solving problems. An engineer by training, he uses thoughtful innovation, progressive reform, and efficient modernization of policies and programs to make the work better for hardworking families. From spearheading campaigns for equality and justice to harnessing technology to solve real problems, his focus has consistently remained on serving the public and getting things done. |
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For Secretary of State - Jocelyn Benson
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Jocelyn Benson was elected Michigan Secretary of State in 2018. She brings a lifetime of elections advocacy and public service to her role as chief election officer and motor vehicle administrator for the state of Michigan. Committed to the nonpartisan operation of the Secretary of State’s Office, Jocelyn has transformed its operations to provide faster and more convenient service for every Michigander. She has done this while ensuring that elections are free, fair, secure and accurate, and fighting to protect voting rights for all Michigan voters whether Republicans, Democrats or Independents. |
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For Attorney General - Dana Nessel
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A former criminal prosecutor and civil rights attorney, Dana Nessel was sworn in as Michigan’s 54th Attorney General on January 1, 2019. Her core initiatives have been fashioned in the image of her promise to Michigan’s residents — to give the Department of Attorney General back to the people that it serves. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School, Attorney General Nessel lives in southeast Michigan with her wife, Alanna Maguire, and her twin sons, Alex and Zach. |
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Michigan State Supreme Court
While elections for the Supreme Court are nonpartisan, the candidates below are endorsed by both the Michigan Democratic Party and the Houghton County Democratic Party.
