Former state representative Sara Cambensy of Marquette announced her candidacy for Michigan’s 38th District state senate seat on Tuesday. Cambensy is running as an Independent. (Photo courtesy of Sara Cambensy)

MARQUETTE — Former 109th state representative Sara Cambensy announced her candidacy for Michigan’s 38th District State Senate Seat on Tuesday. Cambensy, a longtime Democrat from Marquette, is running as an Independent to replace term-limited state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township.

“America and Michigan are at a crossroads with political parties and the promises they make to the people they represent”, said Cambensy in her candidate announcement. “Hard-working U.P. families that believe in accountability, discipline, integrity, and doing right by others can’t get ahead. Groceries, housing, electric bills, healthcare, education, car insurance, property taxes, and saving money for retirement have become impossible tasks. And worst of all, the youngest generation has lost hope of ever owning their own home and finding a good paying job that they can raise a family on. It begs the question: Who is actually working for the people to solve these critical issues?”

Because McBroom is term-limited, Cambensy is entering a populated candidate field. Kelli van Ginhoven and Chris Mapps are running in the Democratic primary, while Beau LaFave and Dave Prestin are running in the Republican primary. LaFave and Prestin’s race has already generated some controversy after U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, endorsed LaFave, at odds with U.P. lawmakers’ endorsement of Prestin.

“Like many of you, I’m tired of the political games and fighting between both parties that prevent our toughest issues from being solved,” said Cambensy. “In every other facet of life, people put our differences aside and work together to solve problems and strengthen our communities. It’s time we do that in politics as well.

“That’s why I’ve decided to run as an Independent for the 38th district senate seat. We need someone who is 100% beholden to the people they represent in the U.P., not a political party. Someone who brings common sense to the table when making decisions and votes on principle- not how a party wants them to vote.”

Cambensy previously served as a state representative for the 109th district as a Democrat. She was in office from 2017-2022 and was succeeded by state Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, after being term-limited. Cambensy also previously served on the Marquette City Commission.

“When I ran for state representative in the 109th district in 2017, my father had a stern message for me,” said Cambensy. “He told me that if I wanted to do the job, that I just took a step down from the people who represent the highest level of democracy, whether they voted for me or not. That if elected, I just agreed to do the work that the majority of people I represent want, and that I wasn’t there on behalf of my own interests, party interests, or special interests.

“I never forgot my father’s message to always put the people you serve first. Throughout my three terms in state office, my voting record reflects that sentiment. My success in passing 9 public acts while serving in the minority proves I can work with both parties to deliver results for my constituents,” said Cambensy. “Having served over 10 years in local office, I have a solid foundation and understand the challenges our communities face in the U.P. Whether it’s our public schools, local government, or protecting our quality of life, my commitment has been and will continue to be to keep control local.

“The U.P. needs an independent voice in Lansing that can’t be bought and can’t be told by downstate interests on what’s best for the people that live, work, and raise a family here. I’m ready to do the work. Join me on my campaign to bring civility, common sense, and unity back to state politics,” she said.

More information Sara Cambensy can be found at www.electsaracambensy.com.

The primary election for the 38th district senate seat is on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The first day to vote in-person or with an absentee ballot is Friday, June 26.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.