Republicans and independents endorse Democrat Curtis Hertel, emphasize people over party

(Michigan Advance) A number of Republican and independent lawmakers and officials have thrown their endorsement behind former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing) for his run for Congress, launching the Republicans & Independents for Hertel Coalition Wednesday.

Hertel is currently unopposed in the Aug. 6 Democratic primary with his opponent, former state Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte), similarly unopposed on the Republican ballot. The seat is open as U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) is running for U.S. Senate, and the race is considered one of the most competitive in the country.

The coalition includes former U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Battle Creek), who represented Michigan’s 7th Congressional District from 2005 to 2007, former state Sens. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) and Bill Sederburg (R-East Lansing), former state Rep. Chris Ward (R-Brighton), and former Michigan Republican Party Executive Directors Gary Reed and Jeff Timmer.

At a press conference in East Lansing, members of the coalition stressed the need for collaboration across party lines. ...............(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/2024/07/18/republicans-and-independents-endorse-democrat-curtis-hertel-emphasize-people-over-party/