# Kevin Hertel for State Senate > Kevin Hertel is focused on putting aside political games, finding common ground, and delivering solutions for his lakeshore community. --- ## Home URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com # Delivering Solutions for Lake St. Clair Communities ###### Share Now ## Kevin Hertel is focused on putting aside political games, finding common ground, and delivering solutions for our lakeshore community. **From a young age, Kevin has been inspired by his family's legacy of public service.** His grandfather, Jack, was a World War II veteran and public school teacher, and his dad, Curtis, was a former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives during a time of divided government. From them, Kevin learned the importance of community service and working together to get things done. While in the Senate, Kevin has put these values and lessons into action, championing policies to lower costs for seniors and working families, keep Michigan communities safe, expand educational opportunities for students, and more. Learn more ###### Sign up to ## Join Team Hertel We need more leaders who are actually focused on solving problems, not exploiting them for political gain. In 2022, Kevin put in the hard work to win this seat and give Lake St. Clair communities the representation in Lansing our communities deserve. And now, he’s working even harder to keep this seat, because as politics continue to grow more and more divisive, Michigan can’t afford to lose a champion who shows up, listens, and fights for working people. ##### This race is going to be the most crucial seat to keep in 2026, and we need your support to defend it. ###### Lake St. Clair ## Our Lakeshore District From Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island, Lake St. Clair binds each and every one of our communities together. **Learn more about how Kevin’s fighting to protect the lake for generations to come.** Learn More District 12 ###### ## Fuel our efforts. Your donation will help us keep pragmatic leadership representing Senate District 12. --- ## Meet Kevin URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/about # Meet Kevin **Kevin Hertel is focused on putting aside political games, finding common ground, and delivering solutions for his lakeshore community. ** ## Rooted in Public Service #### Kevin Hertel is serving his first term in the Michigan Senate, where he has been focused on putting aside political games, finding common ground, and delivering solutions for his lakeshore community. **From a young age, Kevin was inspired by his family's legacy of public service.** From them, Kevin learned the importance of community service and working together to get things done. While in the Senate, Kevin has put these values and lessons into action, championing policies to lower costs for seniors and working families, keep Michigan communities safe, expand educational opportunities for students, and more. ## An Effective Lawmaker #### Kevin’s Senate District runs along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair — from Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island. Knowing how important the lake is to the local residents and businesses, Kevin has fought to secure nearly $100 million during his time in the Michigan Legislature for critical projects that address aging water infrastructure to help keep the lake clean and prevent people’s basements from flooding. As Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, Kevin has fought to protect Michiganders’ healthcare, making sure key parts of the Affordable Care Act are protected in state law. He continues to advocate for policies that will expand access to behavioral healthcare, address the devastating effects of the opioid crisis, and lower the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs. Before his time in the Michigan Senate, Kevin was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2016-2022 where he worked across party lines to keep Michigan’s children safe from abuse and neglect. ## Proud Husband and Dad #### Kevin lives in St. Clair Shores with his wife, Ann, and their two children. When he’s not hard at work for the people of Michigan’s 12th Senate District, you’ll likely find him on the sidelines of his kids’ sporting events or on his boat enjoying all that Lake St. Clair has to offer. Kevin is also an active community member, volunteering with the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee and the Macomb County Special Olympics and serving on the Macomb County Care House Board of Directors. --- ## Endorsements URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/endorsements # Endorsements **From small businesses, law enforcement, and labor unions to bipartisan local leaders — we're building a broad coalition of support.** ## Unions and Labor Organizations ## Public Safety Organizations ## Issue Advocacy Organizations ###### endorsements from Michigan leaders ## Kevin Hertel has the Support of Those You Trust #### Valerie Kindle ###### Harper woods mayor #### Arthur Bryant ###### grosse pointe woods mayor #### Sheila Tomkowiak ###### Grosse pointe city mayor #### Kip Walby ###### St. Clair shores mayor #### Paul Gieleghem ###### clinton township supervisor #### Laura Kropp ###### mount clemens mayor #### Brad Kersten ###### Chesterfield township supervisor #### Tom Semaan ###### New baltimor mayor #### Rocky Gillis ###### algonac mayor ##### Elected Officials - **Valerie Kindle,** Harper Woods Mayor - **Gerianne LaPratt,** Harper Woods Councilmember - **Sheila Tomkowiak,** Grosse Pointe City Mayor - **Arthur Bryant,** Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor - **Kenneth Gafa,** Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor Pro Tem - **Patrick Gleason,** Grosse Pointe Park Councilmember - **Kip Walby,** St. Clair Shores Mayor - **Ron Frederick,** St. Clair Shores City Councilman - **Dave Rubello,** St. Clair Shores City Councilman - **Paul Gieleghem,** Clinton Township Supervisor - **Julie Matuzak,** Clinton Township Trustee - **Laura Kropp,** Mount Clemens Mayor - **Brad Kersten,** Chesterfield Township Supervisor - **Tom Semaan,** New Baltimore Mayor - **Rocky Gillis,** Algonac Mayor --- ## Priorities URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/issues # Priorities ###### priorities #### 85 bills introduced #### 39 bills passed with bipartisan support #### 21 bills passed with unanimous support #### 16 bills signed into law **checkMark** **As we see more chaos and confusion than ever coming from politicians in Washington and Lansing, our state needs steady, predictable leadership who’s focused on kitchen table issues — not political theater. **** ** **Kevin has a record of working with anyone and everyone who’s serious about delivering solutions to the challenges facing our state. This means putting politics aside and working across the aisle to focus on what matters: you, your family, and our community.** --- ## Affordability URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/affordability # Affordability **The cost of living is simply too high. That’s why I’m focused on giving Michiganders a little extra breathing room in their budgets so they can actually get ahead — not just get by. ** ###### AFFORDABILITY ## Track Record **Championed the repeal of the Snyder-era retirement tax** to put an average of $1,000 a year into the pockets of 500,000 seniors. **Passed the largest tax cut for working families** in Michigan’s history by quintupling the Earned Income Tax Credit. **Eliminated taxes on tips, overtime, and social security.** **Introduced legislation to hold Michigan’s utility companies accountable** and put an end to the constant annual rate hikes that keep driving up costs for working families. **Made major investments to lower child care costs** and expand affordable preschool for four-year-olds, helping families save $10,000 annually. **Secured funding for the Michigan School Meals Program**, which ensures every child can learn on a full stomach while saving parents an average of $1,000 per child every year. **Invested in the state’s Housing and Community Development Fund**, supporting safe, affordable housing for veterans, seniors, and working-class families. **Passed legislation ensuring veterans can access the benefits they are entitled to** without being charged excessive fees or being given bad advice. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## Safe Communities URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/safe-communities # Safe Communities **Everyone deserves the ability to learn, play, work, shop, and pray safely. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee responsible for Military, Veterans, and State Police, I’ve focused on driving investments to ensure our first responders have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.** ###### SAFE COMMUNITIES ## Track Record **Doubled survivors benefits for public safety officers** who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. **Fought to lower health care costs for police officers, firefighters, and other public employees.** **Secured $40 million for the Macomb County Jail** to construct a new central intake and mental health unit that will allow them to provide better mental and physical health outcomes to those who come through their doors. **Cut bureaucratic red tape to reduce the time and financial barriers that exist to becoming a paramedic.** **Championed a $212 million investment to expand and reroute the runway at Selfridge** to help the base successfully attract and prepare for a future fighter mission. **Strengthened protections for veterans and their families seeking benefits**, ensuring they are treated fairly, get trustworthy advice, and aren’t charged excessive fees or exposed to security risks. **Created and funded the Michigan Veterans Coalition Grant Program.** **Secured millions in state funding to support suicide prevention** programs and nonprofits who provide housing for veterans and their families. **Expand eligibility for tuition assistance to spouses and dependents of National Guard members** — providing increased avenues for military family members to obtain a college degree. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## Health Care URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/health-care # Health Care **When you’re sick, you should be able to see a doctor without breaking the bank. While Washington politicians fight to rip away health insurance from working families, I’ll keep pushing fighting to not only protect, but expand access to quality health care.** ###### HEALTH CARE ## Track Record **Codified the most popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act** in state law, ensuring Michiganders cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, can stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26, and more. **Championed legislation to protect Michiganders’ reproductive health** by repealing the state’s archaic 1931 abortion ban, dismantling medically unnecessary regulations on reproductive care, and eliminating barriers to fertility treatments such as IVF. **Fought against federal budget cuts to Medicaid** and secured state funding to save the program and ensure health care remains accessible and affordable in Michigan. **Expanded access to mental health and substance use disorders treatment** by requiring insurers to cover those services as they do with any other medical treatment. **Introduced bipartisan package of evidence-based policies designed to expand access to support services for substance use disorder**, reduce the risk of overdoses, and improve both short- and long-term treatment outcomes. **Sponsored legislation to establish a state-based health insurance exchange** that would provide the state with greater flexibility to meet the health care needs of Michiganders. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## Lake St. Clair URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/lake-st-clair # Lake St. Clair **Having the honor of representing the entire U.S. shoreline of Lake St. Clair in the Michigan Senate, I’m focused on working across the aisle to build up our region’s water infrastructure and protect the lake for generations to come.** ### Track Record **NEARLY $100 MILLION SECURED FOR LAKE ST. CLAIR** From Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island — Lake St. Clair is what binds each and every one of our communities together. As coastal residents, we know the importance of clean water. Not only do we depend on the lake for drinking water, but also for the economic development it drives and the recreational benefits it provides. But as we see an increasing number of extreme weather events that strain the capabilities of our aging infrastructure and send pollution into the water, it’s important for all of us to work together to ensure the health of Lake St. Clair. That’s why, throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked on a bipartisan basis to secure nearly $100 million to build up our region’s crumbling water infrastructure. ###### POLICY WINS FOR ## Lake St. Clair and Our Environment **Repealed Michigan’s “no stricter than federal” law** to reinstate the state’s ability to go beyond minimum federal standards and defend our natural resources, including lakes, rivers, and streams, from PFAS and other contaminants. **Strengthened the state’s to protect Michigan’s water and natural resources** from damage by dam operators and others. **Made energy efficiency more available to Michiganders** by expanding financing options for energy and water conservation projects. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## Education URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/education # Education **From expanding Pre-K opportunities to investing in school safety and mental health efforts — I’m fighting to prioritize school funding so children in our lakeshore community can have a promising future. ** ###### EDUCATION ## Track Record **Championed over $1 billion to improve school safety and student mental health**, allowing schools to hire more counselors and social workers and modernize security systems. **Secured funding for the Michigan School Meals Program**, which ensures every child can learn on a full stomach while saving parents an average of $1,000 per child every year. **Unlocked over $600 million in flexible funding for school districts** across Michigan to invest in school safety, mental health, and teacher salaries, and more. **Saved teachers money** by eliminating their required contribution to the Michigan Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) fund. **Provided teachers with the tools they need to help students with dyslexia** and other reading difficulties achieve literacy. **Equipped schools to safeguard students’ health** by ensuring every Michigan school has an AED and trained personnel ready to quickly respond to medical emergencies on and off the field. **Passed legislation to ensure students and teachers have access to clean drinking water in school.** **Secured funding for local schools to bolster their Career and Technical Education programming**, increase their number of available Pre-K slots, modernize technology systems, and improve their infrastructure. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## Jobs & Opportunity URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/opportunity # Jobs & Opportunity **Small businesses and their workers are crucial to our community’s success. While they continue to navigate many challenges post-pandemic, I’m working to ensure Michigan gives them every resource possible to ensure their success.** ###### JOBS & OPPORTUNITY ## Track Record **Championed the accelerated increase of Michigan’s minimum wage** to $15/hour by 2027, shortening the original timeline where the increase would not take full effect until 2028. **Repealed harmful anti-union laws** to restore workers’ rights to collectively bargain for better working conditions, higher wages and safer workplaces. **Reinstated prevailing wages on all state construction projects**, creating good-paying jobs and ensuring hard-working people can earn a decent standard of living. **Restored the right of 35,000 independent provider home care workers** to have the choice to form a union. **Eliminated taxes on tips, overtime, and social security.** **Protected and improved the tipped credit**, so servers can continue receiving their tips. **Supported the Michigan Reconnect program** to provide Michiganders with a tuition-free path to an associate degree or skills training certificate. **Secured funding for the Helmets to Hardhats program** to provide job training and apprenticeships for veterans. **Funded Workforce Development Grants** used to provide employer-driven workforce training, skills development, equipment training and more to Michigan workers. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## Press Releases URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/news ###### news & press ## Latest Campaign News --- ## Newsletters URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/newsletters ###### stay up to date ##### August Recap from Team Hertel ##### August Events with Kevin Hertel ##### Campaign Recap from Team Hertel ##### Hertel Yard Signs Are In! ##### Endorse Kevin Hertel for Senate SIGN UP ## Campaign Newsletters --- ## Get Involved URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/get-involved # Get Involved **Michigan can’t afford to lose a champion who fights for working people. This race is going to be the most crucial seat to keep in 2026, and we need your support to defend it.** ##### Find Volunteer Events Near You ##### Subscribe to Our Newsletter ##### Endorse Kevin Hertel for Senate ##### Follow Us On Social Media ##### Request a Yard Sign ##### Get Ready to Vote View More # Join Team Hertel Our campaign is powered by volunteers like you. Let us know how you’d like to get involved and join our campaign today. --- ## Events URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/events ## Upcoming Events **Join the Hertel Campaign** as we talk to voters across our lakeshore district! --- ## Volunteer URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/volunteer ###### Sign up to ## Get involved! ###### What’s at Stake We need more leaders who are actually focused on solving problems, not exploiting them for political gain. In 2022, Kevin put in the hard work to win this seat and give Lake St. Clair communities the representation in Lansing they deserve. And now, he’s working even harder to keep this seat, because as politics continue to grow more and more divisive, Michigan can’t afford to lose a champion who shows up, listens, and fights for working people. This race is going to be the most crucial seat to keep in 2026, and we need your support to defend it. --- ## Greet Voters at the Polls URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/poll-greeting ###### Sign up to ## GREET VOTERS AT THE POLLS ###### Help us finish this race strong Michigan can’t afford to lose a champion who shows up, listens, and fights for working people. As voters head to vote on November 3rd, join Team Hertel at the polls to greet voters, make sure they know Kevin is on the ballot, and encourage them to cast their vote for a leader who puts our communities first. --- ## Endorse Kevin URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/become-a-citizen-endorser ###### Endorse Kevin for Senate # Become a Citizen Endorser ###### Add your name and ## Tell us why you’re endorsing Kevin Hertel for State Senate. --- ## Request a Yard Sign URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/contact ###### Want to Show Your SUpport For Kevin? ## Request a Yard Sign Displaying a yard sign is one of the easiest ways to show your community that Senator Hertel has your support. Submit this yard sign request form and a member of our team will reach out to you. --- ## Contact The Campaign URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/contact-copy ###### ## Would you like to contact the campaign? **Please reach out to us! We'd love to hear from you. Fill out this form with any relevant questions, comments, or concerns.** A member of the Hertel Campaign will reach out to you. --- ## Taking on Big Tech URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/taking-on-big-tech ## Taking on Big Tech **From profiting off personal information to bulldozing communities to make way for data centers, Big Tech has gotten far too comfortable calling the shots. It’s time someone stands up to them, and that’s exactly what I’ve set out to do.** ###### taking on big tech and protecting consumers ## Track Record **Wrote the bill that would create the strongest data center regulations in the nation** to protect ratepayers, workers, and our environment. This legislation would: • Protect the Great Lakes and Michigan's water resources from overuse. • Ensure data centers don't drive up electricity costs or reduce service reliability. • Strengthen labor protections to make sure workers benefit from the project. • Prohibit elected officials from signing non-disclosure agreements about data center projects. **Sponsored the “Kids Over Clicks” package which would strengthen data privacy protections for minors** while also giving parents greater power to protect their kids online, just as they do in the real world. **Supported legislation to give Michiganders greater control over their personal data** by requiring companies to clearly explain what information they collect, how they use it, and why. **Voted to strengthen protection of Michiganders’ personal health data**, including fingerprints and facial recognition, and require consumers to be notified when a data breach puts their information at risk. **Advanced policy to crack down on deceptive robocalls and protect consumers** from unfair, malicious telephone solicitation tactics. ##### Read more about Kevin’s track record and agenda to build a Michigan where everyone can find opportunity and achieve their American Dream. --- ## News: Kevin Hertel Officially Launches Re-Election Campaign for Michigan’s Most Competitive State Senate Seat URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/news/news-1 Press release ***With a second term, Hertel will continue putting aside political games, finding common ground, and delivering solutions for his lakeshore community*** ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (March 6, 2026) — Alongside local leaders, community advocates, and supporters, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) officially announced his re-election campaign for Michigan’s 12th Senate District. During the event, Hertel reflected on the progress he made during his first term in the state Senate and laid out his vision for what he would do with a second and final term in the legislature’s upper chamber. ##### “Everything I do in public service comes back to the kind of future I want for my two boys and for families across our state. A future where they can grow up going to good schools, where we can afford to send them to college, and where they can get a good-paying job that allows them to buy a house and start their own family right here in Michigan,” said Hertel. “At a time when costs are climbing and politics feels more divisive than ever, that future can seem out of reach. But I believe that steady, solutions-focused leadership still matters and still delivers. With another four years in the Michigan Senate, I’ll keep putting people over politics to lower costs, expand opportunity, and give our lakeshore community the strong leadership they deserve.” Hertel’s first bill introduced after being sworn in targeted the unfair Snyder-era retirement tax, ultimately helping repeal it to save seniors $1,000 per year. This effort marked the beginning of a broader affordability agenda designed to lower costs, cut taxes, and provide economic relief to those who need it most. Since then, Hertel has championed legislation to quintuple the Working Families Tax Cut; eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and social security; lower child care costs and expand affordable preschool; and more. Outside of his policy work, Hertel has also been highly successful as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, bringing back state dollars to invest in projects throughout District 12 communities — from Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods to New Baltimore and Harsens Island. Of the more than $140 million he secured, $54 million was dedicated for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to make the updates necessary to successfully secure a future fighter mission. During his time in the legislature, Hertel also delivered nearly $100 million to build up the region’s crumbling water infrastructure and protect Lake St. Clair for future generations. While political divisiveness grows both in Washington and Lansing, Hertel remains above the fray as he is focused on actually solving problems, not exploiting them for political gain. From affordability and health care access to housing and public safety, Hertel plans on using a second term to find common ground and deliver solutions to tackle the issues facing Michigan families. ##### “There are too many challenges facing Michigan families for elected leaders to waste time on political games,” said Hertel. “In the state legislature, I’ve always been willing to work with anyone and everyone — Democrats and Republicans — if it means delivering real results. In a second term, I’ll continue to put problem-solving over partisanship, find common ground, and fight for common sense solutions that grow opportunity for the families who call Michigan home.” Senate District 12 includes the communities of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Harper Woods, St. Clair Shores, Harrison Township, a part of Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore, Ira Township, Clay Township, and Algonac. To learn more about Senator Kevin Hertel and his agenda to deliver solutions for Michigan families, visit [KevinHertelForSenate.com](http://KevinHertelForSenate.com). **If you want to link an external news source,** use the “link” icons on the sidebar. Anything linked externally will automatically be listed as “news” and any article you create on the site itself will automatically be listed as a “press release.” Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has b --- ## News: Nine Bipartisan Local Leaders Endorse Kevin Hertel for State Senate URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/news/localendorsements **Bipartisan coalition underscores Hertel’s track record of working across party lines to deliver for the communities he serves** ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (Aug. 19, 2026) — Today, nine city leaders announced their endorsement of **Kevin Hertel** (D-St. Clair Shores) in the race for Michigan’s 12th State Senate District, citing his strong record of working across party lines and delivering results. These endorsers join over [a dozen local leaders, labor unions, and community advocacy groups](https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/endorsements). “During my time in the Michigan Senate, there are few working relationships I value more than the ones I share with local leaders across our lakeshore district,” said **Hertel**. “By working together across party lines, we’ve been able to achieve some great things for our region — from investing in local schools and public safety efforts to protecting Lake St. Clair and securing the future of Selfridge. That progress was only possible because we set aside politics and built relationships around the shared goal of creating opportunity for the families who call our community home.” The nine local leaders endorsing Hertel are: - Sheila Tomkowiak, City of Grosse Pointe Mayor - Arthur Bryant, Grosse Pointe Woods Mayor - Valerie Kindle, Harper Woods Mayor - Kip Walby, St. Clair Shores Mayor - Paul Gieleghem, Clinton Township Supervisor - Laura Kropp, Mount Clemens Mayor - Brad Kersten, Chesterfield Township Supervisor - Tom Semaan, New Baltimore Mayor - Rocky Gillis, Algonac Mayor These bipartisan endorsements are a testament to the strong relationships Hertel has built with local leaders. In the Legislature, he has made staying connected with city officials a priority — working directly with them to identify community needs, advocate for local priorities, and secure nearly $300 million in state funding for projects that make a difference in residents’ everyday lives. “I've seen Kevin's commitment to our community firsthand: he brings people together, follows through on his promises, and works tirelessly to deliver real results,” said **Grosse Pointe Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak**. “That leadership has helped bring hundreds of thousands of dollars back to our schools, strengthen our water infrastructure, and invest in the future of our community. Grosse Pointe has a champion in Kevin Hertel, and I’m proud to support his re-election.” “St. Clair Shores’ priorities have been Kevin Hertel’s priorities from day one: strong schools, safe communities, and a clean, healthy Lake St. Clair,” said **St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip** Walby. “I’ve watched Kevin work across party lines to turn those priorities into real results, securing tens of millions of dollars to strengthen our water infrastructure, stop sewage from going out into the lake, and prevent our basements from flooding so often. Kevin doesn’t just talk about fighting for St. Clair Shores — he actually delivers. And that’s exactly the kind of representation our community needs in Lansing.” “Actions speak louder than words, and Senator Kevin Hertel has certainly backed up his words with real results for Chesterfield,” said **Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten**. “When I first became Supervisor, Kevin was one of the first people to reach out and ask what he could do in Lansing to help our community. Since that first conversation, he has delivered a great deal — helping direct more than $6 million to Chesterfield to strengthen our infrastructure and support exciting projects that are moving our township forward. Kevin has shown us what it looks like to have a true partner in Lansing, and I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.” “I’ve never cared much for politics. I care about getting things done for our community — and thankfully, Senator Kevin Hertel does too,” said **New Baltimore Mayor Tom Semaan**. “Kevin doesn’t look at whether someone has an ‘R’ or a ‘D’ next to their name. He looks for good ideas, finds people willing to work together, and actually gets results. That’s the kind of leadership our lakeshore communities deserve.” “As someone who grew up in a small town in St. Clair County, I never expected much from Lansing — that is, until Kevin Hertel began representing us,” said **Algonac Mayor Rocky Gillis**. “From his first day in office, Kevin has been someone who Algonac can count on to show up and get things done for our community. He helped secure more than $1.5 million for projects that matter deeply to our city — proving that when state and local leaders put politics aside and work together, even small communities like ours can accomplish big things. He’s got my fullest support as he runs for re-election.” • • • • • • • Senate District 12 includes the communities of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Harper Woods, St. Clair Shores, Harrison Township, a part of Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore, Ira Township, Clay Township, and Algonac. Hertel won the district by a mere 404 votes in 2022, just two years before Trump carried it by 7 points — making it one of the most competitive seats this cycle. To learn more about Senator Kevin Hertel and his growing list of endorsements, visit [KevinHertelForSenate.com/endorsements](http://kevinhertelforsenate.com/endorsements). Write your news blurb here. --- ## News: Kevin Hertel Cuts Through The Muck URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/news/cutting-through-muck ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (Sept. 11, 2026) — This week, Sen. Kevin Hertel, the Democratic candidate for Senate District 12, released his first ad for the general election. The 30-second ad highlights Hertel’s track record of bringing dollars back to the district and cracking down on corruption in Lansing. ** ** **“I know something about cutting through the muck — this stuff here in Lake St. Clair, and what’s happening in Lansing,” Hertel says in the ad. ** Hertel touts his record of bringing people together across the aisle to [clean up Lake St. Clair](https://www.macombdaily.com/2026/07/21/how-lake-st-clair-muck-accumulates-to-be-studied/), [deliver millions to fix water infrastructure](https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/lake-st-clair), [pass the largest tax cut for working families in Michigan’s history](https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/03/07/whitmer-signs-lowering-mi-costs-plan), and [take on big utilities to freeze Michiganders’ rates](https://www.wilx.com/2026/04/16/michigan-lawmakers-consider-legislation-limit-utility-rate-increases/). **“Cutting through the muck – well, it’s not that hard,” Hertel closes. “You just can’t be afraid to do the work.” ** Watch the full ad [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KGnJfe0_zI). • • • • • • • Hertel is serving his first term in the Michigan Senate, where he has been focused on putting aside political games, finding common ground, and delivering solutions for his lakeshore community. His district includes the communities of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Harper Woods, St. Clair Shores, Harrison Township, a part of Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore, Ira Township, Clay Township, and Algonac. To learn more about Kevin Hertel and his agenda to deliver results for Michigan families, visit [KevinHertelForSenate.com](http://KevinHertelForSenate.com). ### **If you want to link an external news source,** open up the accordion for this item on the sidebar and switch the Post Publishing Setting to “Custom Link”. --- ## Events: Event title here URL: https://www.kevinhertelforsenate.com/events/event-1 **firstName** First Name **lastName** Last Name **phoneNumber** Phone Number **zipOrPostalCode** ZIP Code **email** Email Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. 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