Representative John Olumba (I-Detroit)
announced that he will run as a Democrat in the race for the 2nd
Senate seat. Representative Olumba left the House Democratic Caucus to operate
as an independent, but did not want to lose on account of straight Democratic
ticket voters. Senator Bert Johnson (D-Detroit) is running for Congress, making
it likely that Representative Olumba will not face an incumbent in the race.
Olumba said if the Democratic leader in the Senate is someone who won’t
“micromanage” him and allows him to work with Republicans, he wouldn’t feel the
need to leave the caucus in the other chamber.
Derek Miller, Macomb County Assistant
Prosecutor, has filed to run for the 28th Michigan House District
with the endorsement of Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren), who cannot seek
reelection due to term limits. He also has the endorsement of Macomb County
Prosecutor Eric Smith.
Also in Macomb County, Mark Hackel will run
for re-election for County Executive and has indicated he is open to running
for Governor in the future. He was first elected in November 2010, and was
county sheriff for almost a decade. He is known for being attractive to both
moderate Republicans and independents.