Houghton County Democratic Party
Fall 2024 Candidate Endorsements
VOTE BLUE AT THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS!
The Houghton County Democratic Party is proud to endorse the following candidates in the 2024 Fall Election.
We encourage you to vote the Straight Democratic ticket on the front of your ballot, and then flip your ballot over and on the back of your ballot please vote individually for the endorsed candidates in the nonpartisan races.
(NOTE: nonpartisan elections are indicated below by the purple "Nonpartisan Election" banner, and include the Michigan Supreme Court, State Boards and, for residents of Houghton, the Houghton City Council.)
We encourage you to vote the Straight Democratic ticket on the front of your ballot, and then flip your ballot over and on the back of your ballot please vote individually for the endorsed candidates in the nonpartisan races.
(NOTE: nonpartisan elections are indicated below by the purple "Nonpartisan Election" banner, and include the Michigan Supreme Court, State Boards and, for residents of Houghton, the Houghton City Council.)
President and Vice-President
Kamala Harris & Tim Walz
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Vice President Kamala Harris is the daughter of parents who brought her to civil rights marches in a stroller, she was inspired to tackle injustice from an early age. She took that mission to county courtrooms, the California Attorney General’s office, the United States Senate, and the White House.
Now she is running for President of the United States to continue protecting our freedoms, delivering justice, and expanding opportunity so that every American can not just get by, but get ahead. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is a champion for America’s working families. Gov. Walz is a 24 year veteran of the Army National Guard, a lifelong teacher and a football coach. Their shared commitment to working families draws a complete contrast to Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Instead of making life better for working families or focusing on our future, Trump and Vance are committed to their extreme and dangerous Project 2025 agenda that will roll back Americans’ rights and freedoms, hurt the middle class, and threaten our democracy. |
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City and Township Candidates
Houghton City Council Candidates
Nonpartisan Election
Virginia "Jan" Cole
Brian Irizarry
Brendan Leddy
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Candidates for Charter Township of Portage Offices
For Portage Township Supervisor:
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Candidate for Calumet Township Trustee
Brent Eskola
Brent was born in Laurium and graduated from Calumet High School. He attended Michigan Tech and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude). He has 10 years office experience and more than 20 years factory floor experience.
This is Brent’s first time running for public office. He is running against 4 incumbent Republican Trustees for 4 Trustee positions in Calumet Township. His priorities for the Township include developing and adopting a new Master Plan that reflects the Township’s vision and path for the future, continuing the economic growth of the Township, and promoting and preserving the quality of life of our community. |
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Houghton County Candidates
For Houghton County Commissioner District 2 - Casey VerBerkmoes
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Casey VerBerkmoes was born and raised in the western Upper Peninsula, and he is raising his family in Lake Linden. He is committed to keeping all of Houghton County economically strong and safe for every resident. His priorities as a County Commissioner include:
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For Houghton County Commissioner District 3 - Glenn Anderson
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Glenn Anderson is running for re-election to the Board of Commissioners. He is dedicated to:
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Candidates for Other Houghton County Offices
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County Clerk - Jennifer Kelly
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Candidates for State and Federal Legislative Offices
For Michigan House District 110 - Kim Corcoran
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Kim Corcoran is an Educator and retired School Principal with the Michigan Department of Corrections. She has firsthand knowledge of the basic everyday struggles that can face the average Yooper. She has experienced directly how the economics of state government have impacted Western Upper Peninsula towns. Corcoran has served on the Ironwood City Commission for the past fifteen years, seven of them as Mayor.
Embedded with a passion for economic development, Kim Corcoran believes that every individual deserves a vibrant place to live along with affordable health care, quality education, and sustainable housing. She will strive to listen to the needs of the people in her district and be a voice that is present and heard in Lansing. |
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For US House District 1 - Callie Barr
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Mom. Military Spouse. Teacher. Attorney.
Callie Barr is running to represent Michigan’s 1st Congressional District to fight for the needs of Upper and Northern Michigan Families. As a mom and military spouse, she knows what it’s like to make a household budget stretch, to worry about the cost of childcare, gas, and groceries, and to struggle to find a job. When her husband came home from Iraq and couldn’t get the care he needed, she fought for him and then other military families like hers. Now, she's ready to take on Congress to stand up for Upper and Northern Michigan. |
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For US Senate - Elissa Slotkin
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Elissa is a third-generation Michigander whose early life was shaped by the time she spent on her family farm in Holly, Michigan. Her family story is one of hard work and sacrifice, starting with her great-grandfather. He immigrated to the U.S. and achieved his American Dream by founding the family meat business, Hygrade Foods, which established its headquarters in Detroit in 1949. Hygrade created a number of food staples beloved by Michiganders, including the famous Ballpark Frank, first sold at Tiger Stadium. The values of hard work, decency, and integrity that underpinned his success were passed down from generation to generation, ultimately guiding Elissa into a life of service.
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Candidates for State Supreme Court & State Boards
For Michigan Supreme Court
Nonpartisan Election
Kyra Harris Bolden
Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is serving in her second year on the Michigan Supreme Court and remains committed to ensuring equal access to justice, applying the law without fear or favor, and treating all who come before our state’s highest court with dignity and respect. In her first year, she had the distinct honor of authoring three majority opinions, one unanimous.
Justice Bolden is an active member of her community, serving as a member of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, Wolverine Bar Association, Straker Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. |
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Kimberly Ann Thomas
Kimberly Ann Thomas is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and law professor at the University of Michigan Law School. Kimberly directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic, where she teaches students the ethical practice of law and works to improve the lives of Michigan youth. Kimberly will bring a new voice of integrity and fairness, grounded in her knowledge applying the law and dedication to equal justice for all Michiganders.
Her experience representing low-income Michiganders and teaching students the ethical practice of law will help her bring a voice of integrity and knowledge to the Michigan Supreme Court, ensuring access to justice and that each litigant is heard and respected. |
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For State Boards
Nonpartisan Election
For State Board of Education
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For University of Michigan Board
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