Dillon Seen as Probable Democrat Chair as Johnson Announces Bid for Congress

Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, Lon Johnson, announced he will step down in order to run against U.S. Representative Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls) for the 1st Congressional District. After Mr. Johnson’s resignation, Representative Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) is expected to be elected as the state party chair by the Democratic State Central Committee.

Although Mr. Dillon is the expected replacement as chair, Lavora Barnes, Oakland County deputy clerk, is also being considered as the next party leader. Many sources have stated that in an attempt to avoid another heated election, like the 2013 race for party chair, the two leading contenders may team up. It is still unclear if Representative Dillon would resign his seat in the House of Representatives if he is elected as the new chair.

Mr. Benishek is seeking reelection to a fourth term in Congress in the regularly competitive 1st District. Democrats have split views on Mr. Johnson’s chances of unseating Representative Benishek however, as his questionable residency, socially liberal views, and southern accent may be too much to overcome.

Former Kalkaska County sheriff, Jerry Cannon, is also considering a run for the 1st Congressional District after losing his bid to unseat Benishek in 2014. Multiple Democrat sources are uneasy about a second run by Cannon after Representative Benishek outmatched him in his fundraising efforts and on the campaign trail.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 26, 2015 10:05 AM
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