Judicial
Dearborn Heights District Judge Mark
Plawecki has announced his run for the Michigan Supreme Court this year. Mr.
Plawecki is seeking the same seat as Justice Joan Larsen, who is looking to win
for the first time following her appointment. Mr. Plawecki is running for the
partial term Ms. Larson filled following former Justice Mary Beth Kelly’s
resignation rather than the full term seat Justice David Viviano is seeking. Mark
Plawecki, husband of Representative Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights), is
likely looking for a nomination from the Michigan Democratic Party. He has
served 21 years on the Dearborn Heights district court, and believes his
constitutionalist approach is what sets him apart.
House
Kim LaSata filed to run for the 79th
House District. A former House member, Ms. LaSata is currently a teacher and
wife to Berrien Circuit judge Charlie LaSata. Ms. LaSata is the third
Republican to file for the seat, which is currently held by Representative Al
Pscholka (R-Stevensville) who is term limited and cannot seek reelection.
Senate
Former Representative Fred Durhal Jr. plans
on running for Senator Virgil Smith’s seat pending his resignation (see below)
and Governor Snyder’s call for a special election. Once the Governor announces,
he will make his run official. Since his term ended, Mr. Durhal Jr. has been
working with the nonprofit Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.