Jenna Smith

MARQUETTE — On Monday, former Marquette mayor Jenna Smith announced that she would be running for the District 3 seat of the Marquette County Board of Commissioners as a Democrat. 

“With seven years of experience as a Marquette City commissioner, including three years as mayor, and deep roots in this community, I am ready to step into the role of county commissioner and continue serving the people of Marquette County,” said Smith’s announcement. 

The District 3 seat of the county commission is currently held by Fred Benzie, who was chosen by the commission to replace Commissioner Steven Adamini after his resignation in March. District 3 encompasses Marquette Township, Marquette City District 1 and part of Powell Township. 

“Following Commissioner Adamini’s resignation, there was an appointment process for the District 3 seat, whereby an individual was selected to fill the position for the remainder of 2026,” said Smith. “I applied for this vacancy and was not selected by the Marquette County Commission. As someone who firmly believes in a democratic process, I am now putting my hat in the ring to let the voters decide who they would like to represent them. I feel more called than ever to step up and serve, in order to provide transparency, ethical decision making, abundant communication with the public, and authentic commentary.”

November’s District 3 county commission election will be a special election, with the winner serving a two-year term from Jan. 1, 2027 until Dec. 31, 2028. 

“Serving as a county commissioner has been a dream of mine for some time,” said Smith. “Utilizing my professional experience, skills, and personal history, I could make a significant impact in this role. I was born and raised in Marquette County and have lived here for most of my life. I am also the mother of two young girls, ages six and nine, who attend a local public elementary school. As a parent raising young children in our community, I bring a perspective that reflects the needs and experiences of residents in my district and across the greater community.”

Smith served on the Marquette City Commission from 2017 until 2024, when she was term-limited and unable to run for another term. She served as mayor of Marquette from 2019 to 2022. 

“While serving as a Marquette City commissioner and mayor, I represented our citizens, established policies, oversaw the $78 million-dollar annual budget and coordinated several committees,” said Smith. “This work has allowed me to contribute to solutions on workforce housing, economic development, road infrastructure, water rates for residents, broadband, electric vehicle infrastructure, and much more. In his role, I was also heavily involved with regional partnerships, collaborating with local, state, and federally elected officials and departments.

“Additionally, I have been a human resources professional in the Upper Peninsula for over a decade. I currently work with a variety of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and more. My daily interactions with business leaders and job seekers give me a continuous pulse on economic and living conditions within Marquette County and beyond. I have the willingness, and the capacity to represent the public and serve in this role. I’m excited to align my experience in local government oversight to the Marquette County 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, and more specifically to the following priorities: delivering quality services, improving economic development opportunities, monitoring environmental upkeep, improving revenue stability, and addressing community needs. I invite you to share your concerns and your ideas with me now or at any time. 

“Our community deserves someone who can make a meaningful impact as a Marquette County commissioner, and I believe that person is me.”

The partisan primary election for the county commission seat is Aug.  4, and the general election is Nov. 3. 

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