2026 Primary Election Candidate Forum

This candidate forum will highlight contested primary election races and allow contenders to share with a live audience what sets them apart from the competition. This event will feature pivotal national, state and local competitions on the August 4 primary election ballot. The public is encouraged to bring a chair and hear from candidates in a question-and-answer format.
Candidates seeking a nomination will respond to questions from local media during the event.
• 32nd District State Senate: Kim Cole and Max Riekse
• 101st State Representative: Luke Eising, Rich Vance, Gary Anderson, Jaxon Deur, and Ben Townsend
• Pere Marquette Township Board: Jennifer Doggett, Ron Soberalski, and Mike Wedding
• 2nd Congressional District: Benjamin Ambrose, Jamie Hill, and Clyde Welford
Running on a non-partisan ticket:
• Ludington City Mayor: Beth Elliot, Carol Hoekstra, and Cheri Stibitz
Serving as panel members will be Lois Tomaszewski, editor of Ludington Daily News; Rob Alway, editor of Mason County Press; and Steve Ruba, on-air personality at Synergy Media.
Submit a question for a candidate here: https://forms.gle/DevSEbUp1fHEiMP89