Second District County Commissioner Jorja Baldwin is throwing her hat into the ring to become the next representative in the 64th State House district. Following Republican Andrew Beeler’s announcement last week that he will not seek another term in office, Baldwin took to the airwaves of WPHM Monday to announce her candidacy. One of her top issues will be preserving local government authority – something she says has been eroding thanks in part to a recent state law that takes away zoning control for wind and solar projects away from local governments.
“Those are protections that local communities have, but I see them starting to be stripped away,” said Baldwin. “You can’t fight for local government on the local government level.”
Prior to her election to the County Commission in 2020, Baldwin served as Fort Gratiot Township Supervisor. She also owns and operates the District 43 shoe store in Downtown Port Huron. As far as why incumbent Andrew Beeler isn’t seeking another term, he told WPHM Monday that he’s pursuing other opportunities, but did not rule out returning to elected office in the future.
“I went from high school, to the Navy, to (State Rep)… there’s a lot out there in the world that I haven’t done that I think would really make me a better leader,” said Beeler.
Beeler’s district includes the City of Port Huron and surrounding cities and townships in St. Clair County as well as Worth Township in Sanilac County. A primary election for the position will be held August 6th with the top vote getter form each party moving on the November 5th general election.
