This is an open letter to U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet.

I am writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment in your recent conduct regarding your involvement in the race after publicly stating you would remain neutral. Your decision to support Beau LaFave after promising not to interfere represents a troubling breach of trust.

This is not an isolated incident. Four years ago, during the gubernatorial race, you withdrew your support from James Craig only to pivot to Perry Johnson. At the time, many of us gave you the benefit of the doubt. Now, however, a clear pattern has emerged–one that suggests political convenience outweighs principle.

What I find most disturbing is your decision to publicly raise state Rep. Dave Prestin’s decades-old personal incident, something he has acknowledged and taken responsibility for. To weaponize a 30-year-old matter in this manner was not leadership, it was a calculated and unbecoming attack. It reflects poorly not only on you, but on the office you hold.

Trust, once broken, is difficult to restore. There is a significant and growing number of us in Newberry who no longer feel we can support you. For the first time in my life, and in the lives of many within my circle, we are withdrawing our support from a Republican incumbent and instead aligning ourselves with Matthew DenOtter.

That is not a decision we take lightly. It is one born of disappointment in your judgment and conduct.

Sincerely,