In recent primary elections across Midland, Bay, and Saginaw counties, voters made key decisions affecting local government leadership and funding initiatives.
Midland County
In the recent Republican Primary for Midland County Sheriff, Scott Holzinger emerged victorious over James Chambers. Joe Sova successfully retained his position as drain commissioner, defeating Tom McCann. Eric Dorrien won the Republican nomination for the County Commission 6th District seat, surpassing Rodney Kloha.
Several township supervisor races also saw Republican victories: Art Peters triumphed over Terrance Hall Jr. for Edenville Township Supervisor, Brian Knopp beat Gavin Salter for Greendale Township Supervisor, and Carmen Bajena won against Jim Sanders for Jasper Township Supervisor.
Voters approved several key proposals in Midland County. The 9-1-1 Central Dispatch millage was renewed at 0.7 mills, and the Midland County Road Commission’s 1-mill levy for road maintenance and construction was also renewed. Additionally, an increase in the Pinecrest Farms County Infirmary millage from 0.37 mills to 0.5 mills was approved. The Bullock Creek School District secured a 10-year renewal of its 18-mill levy, and Meridian Public Schools’ millage renewal passed. Fire and emergency service millages were approved across several townships, though proposed increases were rejected in Geneva and Greendale. A new road millage was also approved in Hope Township.
Bay County
Timmy Beson won the Republican primary for the 95th District state representative, defeating Chaz Fowler. County Executive Jim Barcia, a Democrat, will face off against Republican Kevin Shark, who won against Charles Juers. For Bay County Prosecutor, Mike Kanuszewski narrowly edged out Brian Jean and will compete against incumbent Democrat Nancy Borushko in November. Kathy Niemiec secured the County Commissioner District 1 seat, defeating Marie Fox. Glenn Rowley remained Bangor Township supervisor, beating Neil Froncek, and Terry Spencer retained his position as Monitor Township Supervisor against Gary Brandt. Jerome Putt won the Republican primary for Williams Township Supervisor, and Brad Eddy secured the Republican nomination for Kawkawlin Township Supervisor.
Voters in the Pinconning area school district approved an 18-mill renewal, which will bring in approximately $1.7 million annually through 2034. Bangor Township voters also approved a renewal for the school district millage and increased the fire department operating millage to 3 mills. In Beaver Township, a new fire department millage passed, although a proposal to more than double the current millage was rejected. Additional fire millages were approved in Auburn, Fraser, Merritt, Mount Forest, and Williams townships, while road funding millages were passed in Fraser, Mount Forest, Merritt, and Portsmouth townships.
Saginaw County
In Saginaw County, Brian Begole won the Republican primary for Michigan’s 71st District state legislator, defeating Kevin Rathbun. Mark Zacharda is the sole Democrat in this race. Republican Robert Zelle triumphed over Geoffrey Well in the 94th District race and will face incumbent Democrat Amos O’Neal in the November elections. Bill Federspiel won the sheriff’s race with 68% of the vote, surpassing Democratic challenger Kevin Stevens. Federspiel will compete against Republican Jason Wise in November.
For the county Board of Commissioners, Democrat Sheldon Matthews retained his District 4 seat, defeating Eddie Jackson. Republican John Kaczynski won against Carol Ewing in District 7, and will face Herb Jankowsky in November, while Kaczynski will run unopposed. In District 9, Democrat Christopher Boyd will face Republican Jane Collins, who won against Andrea Paschall.
Saginaw County voters narrowly approved a road millage and widely supported the Saginaw Public Libraries millage. A 0.2 mill tax to fund the Saginaw Children’s Zoo was approved, expected to generate $1.3 million annually through 2034. A 0.59 mill renewal for the county Commission on Aging, with an additional 0.1 mill increase, also passed. In the City of Saginaw, voters renewed a 3.2 mill millage for STARS public transportation through 2030. Chesaning voters approved a bond proposal to raise $14 million for school renovations. Frankenmuth Public School District’s operations and sinking fund millages were approved, as was Hemlock’s school district operating millage. Albee Township voters rejected both a road funding millage and an increase, while road millages were approved in Bloomfield and Marion Townships. Fire millages passed in Bridgeport and Marion townships.
