Voters will have to choose between Republican incumbent Jack Bergman, of Watersmeet, Democrat Dana Ferguson, of Negaunee, and Libertarian Ben Boren, of Charlevoix.

Bergman, seeking his third term, is a retired Marine Corps general.

He said he decided to run again because, over the last four years, he has climbed the ladder of seniority and his voice is louder and more respected than it was before. He wants to chair the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Bergman, riding in the presidential limo during President Donald Trump visits to Michigan, has helped convince Trump to fund construction of a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie and explain the importance of Great Lakes funding, which Trump had proposed cutting.

Dana Ferguson

On both occasions, the president went with Bergman’s recommendation.

Bergman said he wants to continue to work with Trump to help the economy bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to protect the Great Lakes, and make sure the nation’s veterans and military are cared for properly.

“Over my first two terms, I have been able to establish myself as a voice for the district, and I want to continue to push for more support for the things that are important to the people who live in it,” Bergman said. “We still need to work toward more broadband for people in the rural areas, continue to fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and protect the natural resources and continue to support our vets. We want to continue to develop good policy for all of the small communities.”

Ferguson is a newcomer to the political scene.

He said that, if elected, he would focus on “kitchen table” issues, such jobs and the economy, the environment, and health care. He said his primary goal is to make sure the people in the 1st Congressional District are represented the way they deserve and he’ll work with them and for them, in the nation’s capital.

“I think people want to know they have a voice, they are safe, and want to know they have a representative that has their best interest in mind, listens to them, and goes to bat for them,” Ferguson said.

He said he would only be in favor of another coronavirus lockdown if scientists said it was necessary.

“I think that is the last thing anyone wants, but it is important to listen to the science, and, if it was needed, then, yes, I would be in favor of it, but I would listen to what the scientists have to say first,” he said.

Bergman said the pandemic has already caused harm to small businesses and has negative impacts on people. He said during the lockdown, divorce rates jumped significantly, drug and alcohol dependency is on the rise, and children aren’t getting the type of instruction they need.

He said the best plan moving forward is to do everything possible to protect those who are the most at risk for serious health impacts from COVID-19, but to also maintain a large degree of normalcy, because the recovery rate is very high, and death rates very low. Bergman said the number of people being admitted to the hospital and those who need ventilators is also very low.

“People want to return to work and to be able to provide for their families, and the kids want to go back to school,” he said.

Boren, who did not schedule an interview with The News for this story, says on his website he favors protecting the environment, lowering taxes, and decriminalizing recreational drug use.

Jack Bergman

AGE: 73

RESIDENCE: Watersmeet

OCCUPATION:

Retired Marine general

ELECTED EXPERIENCE:

Two terms in Congress

FAMILY: Married,

five children

Dana Ferguson

AGE :41

RESIDENCE: Negaunee

OCCUPATION:

Inventory and

production manager

for Bell Forest

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: None

FAMILY: Married,

five children

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