Northern Michigan’s U.S. Representative Dan Benishek has announced he will not be seeking reelection next year.
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He said he wants to focus more time on being with his family, helping veterans and trying to make conditions better for Northern Michigan families and workers.
Benishek decided to stick to his original pledge of serving a self-imposed limit of three two-year terms.
Gov. Rick Snyder also recognized Benishek’s service and the 30 years he spent as a doctor in Iron Mountain.
Former Kalkaska County Sheriff Jerry Cannon, who was Benishek’s Democratic opponent in 2014, is challenging former Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Lon Johnson of Kalkaska for the Democratic nomination. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, and state Sen.
Benishek released a statement saying: “Serving the 1st District in Congress has been a privilege and an opportunity that I will be forever grateful for…”
Allen said in a statement that while he may consider running, the attention right now should be focused on Benishek’s service.
Another Republican who said he is considering running is state Rep. Pete Pettalia, R-Presque Isle, who said he was not surprised that Benishek changed his mind and said that “a multitude of groups” have been asking him to run.
Benishek said he is looking forward to his last 16 months in the House, and that he is confident a strong leader will fill his seat. “I appreciate Dr. Dan’s common-sense approach to governing, his leadership on veterans issues, and his passion for the Great Lakes and for our state”, she said.
The First Congressional District takes up the Upper Peninsula and much of northern lower Michigan and is one of the most competitive districts in the state. He has worked with Sen. He is the father of a daughter who is a veteran.
Benishek, with the backing of tea party enthusiasts, upset state Sen. In 2012, Benishek defeated Democratic challenger Gary McDowell by fewer than 2,300 votes.
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Benishek’s retirement also comes at a time when the state will lose another experienced Republican member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller of Harrison Township. Joseph, said in June will seek re-election.
