Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2026
Media Contact:
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Announces Primary Election Candidate Endorsements for Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan State Senate
10 Michigan House of Representatives and 7 Michigan State Senate candidates have received endorsements from the MRLA's Political Action Committee
10 Michigan House of Representatives and 7 Michigan State Senate candidates have received endorsements from the MRLA's Political Action Committee
Lansing, MICH. - Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) today announced that its Political Action Committee Board of Trustees has endorsed 10 candidates for the Michigan House of Representatives and 7 candidates for the Michigan State Senate for the August primary election.
"Michigan's hospitality industry needs elected leaders who understand what it takes for restaurants, hotels and the people who run them to succeed," said MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow. "The candidates we're endorsing today have shown, through their votes and their commitments, that they'll be partners for this industry in Lansing."
Customarily, the MRLA engages in legislative primaries only if an incumbent with a superior voting record with the association is challenged, or if one candidate significantly stands out in an open seat. The endorsed candidates below are listed with their district number and party affiliation.
Michigan House of Representatives Candidates Receiving Endorsement:
Michigan State Senate Candidates Receiving Endorsement:
"These candidates have proven to be supporters and advocates of Michigan's hospitality industry through a detailed selection process," said Jack Trebtoske, Director of Government Affairs for the MRLA. "We are proud to endorse these individuals and look forward to working with them in Michigan's capitol next year."
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association general election endorsements will be released after the August 4 primary.
"Michigan's hospitality industry needs elected leaders who understand what it takes for restaurants, hotels and the people who run them to succeed," said MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow. "The candidates we're endorsing today have shown, through their votes and their commitments, that they'll be partners for this industry in Lansing."
Customarily, the MRLA engages in legislative primaries only if an incumbent with a superior voting record with the association is challenged, or if one candidate significantly stands out in an open seat. The endorsed candidates below are listed with their district number and party affiliation.
Michigan House of Representatives Candidates Receiving Endorsement:
- State Representative Tyrone Carter (1, Democrat)
- Former State Representative Frank Liberati (2, Democrat)
- State Representative Alabas Farhat (3, Democrat)
- State Representative Peter Herzberg (25, Democrat)
- State Representative Pauline Wendzel (39, Republican)
- State Representative Phil Green (67, Republican)
- State Representative Kristian Grant (82, Democrat)
- State Representative Bradley Slagh (85, Republican)
- State Representative Greg VanWoerkom (88, Republican)
- Former State Representative Lynn Afendoulis (90, Republican)
Michigan State Senate Candidates Receiving Endorsement:
- State Senator Veronica Klinefelt (11, Democrat)
- State Representative Donni Steele, seeking Senate District 23 (23, Republican)
- State Representative Doug Wozniak, seeking Senate District 24 (24, Republican)
- State Representative Matthew Bierlein, seeking Senate District 26 (26, Republican)
- Candidate Mark Polsdofer (28, Democrat)
- Candidate John Wetzel (31, Republican)
- State Senator Roger Hauck (34, Republican)
"These candidates have proven to be supporters and advocates of Michigan's hospitality industry through a detailed selection process," said Jack Trebtoske, Director of Government Affairs for the MRLA. "We are proud to endorse these individuals and look forward to working with them in Michigan's capitol next year."
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association general election endorsements will be released after the August 4 primary.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
###
