Few Local Contests on August Primary Ballot

Voters in the Copper Country will face very few decisions about local races in the August primary election.

In Houghton County, clerk Jennifer Kelly tells us the only competitive contest is for the Republican nomination for county commissioner in District Two. Long-time board chair Al Koskela is retiring. Four candidates are vying for the nomination – Lake Linden Village Council President Glenn Schuldt, Schoolcraft Township Supervisor Joel Keranen, Torch Lake Township Trustee Lou Ambuehl, and Richard Nye of Dollar Bay.

In fact, commissioners Tom Tikkanen, Roy Britz and Gretchen Janssen face no opposition in August or November. Democrat District Three commissioner Glenn Anderson will face another challenge from Republican Dan Holcomb in November. Holcomb lost to Anderson in the 2020 race.

In Baraga County, clerk Wendy Goodreau reports there are contests in the Republican primary for two county board seats. In District Two, incumbent Brad Dakota is being challenged by former commissioner Michael Koskinen. Koskinen has previously run as a Democrat, but has switched to the Republican primary this time. In District Three, where Dan Robillard is retiring, Craig Kent, Linda Rajala and Kent Thomas have all filed as Republicans.

In Keweenaw County, clerk Julie Carlson says the only contested race will be for an open road commission seat. Gary Bracco and Ken Rowe have both filed as Republicans.

The Michigan primary will be held August 2nd.