Republicans work to flip state House seats in western Wayne County

Democrats representing western Wayne County communities in the state House of Representatives are trying to fend off challenges from Republican candidates who believe they can flip the districts in November.

Republican Adam Stathakis is mounting a bid against incumbent Democrat Matt Koleszar for the 22nd state House district seat, which includes portions of Northville, Plymouth and Livonia. In the 31st, which stretches from Belleville south to Dundee and includes parts of southwestern Wayne and Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties, Republican Dale Biniecki is challenging incumbent Democratic state Rep. Reggie Miller.

The candidates are knocking on thousands of doors, doing what political analyst Ed Sarpolus referred to as earning "the right to run" for office, a key part of winning political seats in Wayne County.

"Bottom line, in Wayne County, which is unique ... you have to earn the right to run," said Sarpolus, a consultant with the firm Target Insyght. "You don't earn the right to run just because you ran for office. They've got to know your name and your face."



https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/10/14/michigan-house-election-western-wayne-matt-koleszar-reggie-miller-dale-biniecki-adam-stathakis/75575295007/