LANSING, MI – The Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC) congratulated today the 61 ABC-endorsed candidates who were victorious in their election efforts, as well as Speaker-Elect Tom Leonard (R-Dewitt) and the rest of the new House majority leadership team for the 2017-2018 Legislative term.   

“This past Tuesday, Michigan voters sent a clear message to Lansing that job creation, responsible budgets, and free market principles should guide the 99^th Legislature,” said Jeff Wiggins, State Director of ABC of Michigan. “The people of Michigan made the choice to continue the pursuit of free enterprise and a government that truly serves the hardworking families of this state. The candidates endorsed by ABC of Michigan represent these principles and we congratulate them on their successful efforts.” 

“Tom Leonard has always been a champion for the merit shop,” said Mike Housemen, chairman of ABC of Michigan. “His uncompromising commitment as a free market defender is second to none and we look forward to working with him and his team in the new year.” 

The following candidates received the endorsement of the ABC of Michigan PAC and won re-election:

District 19 – Laura Cox	District 65 – Brett Roberts
District 36 – Peter Lucido	District 71 – Tom Barrett
District 38 – Kathy Crawford	District 73 – Chris Afendoulis
District 39 – Klint Kesto	District 74 – Rob Verheulen
District 40 – Michael McCready	District 78 – Dave Pagel
District 41 – Martin Howrylak	District 80 – Mary Whiteford
District 42 – Lana Theis	District 81 – Dan Lauwers
District 43 – Jim Tedder	District 82 – Gary Howell
District 44 – Jim Runestad	District 84 – Edward Canfield
District 45 – Michael Webber	District 88 – Roger Victory
District 47 – Henry Vaupel	District 90 – Daniela Garcia
District 51 – Joseph Graves	District 91 – Holly Hughes
District 56 – Jason Sheppard	District 93 – Tom Leonard
District 58 – Eric Leutheuser	District 94 – Tim Kelly
District 59 – Aaron Miller	District 98 – Gary Glenn
District 61 – Brandt Iden	District 104 – Larry Inman
District 62 – John Bizon	District 105 – Triston Cole
District 63 – David Maturen	District 107 – Lee Chatfield

The following candidates also received the endorsement of the ABC of Michigan PAC and won:
  

District 17 – Joe Bellino	District 85 – Ben Frederick
District 20 – Jeff Noble	District 86 – Thomas Albert
District 24 – Steve Marino	District 87 – Julie Calley
District 30 – Diana Farrington	District 89 – Jim Lilly
District 32 – Pamela Hornberger	District 97 – Jason Wentworth
District 57 – Bronna Kahle	District 99 – Roger Hauck
District 64 – Julie Alexander	District 100 – Scott Van Singel
District 66 – Beth Griffin	District 101 – Curt VanderWall
District 70 – James Lower	District 102 – Michele Hoitenga
District 72 – Steve Johnson	District 103 – Daire Rendon
District 77 – Tommy Brann	District 106 – Sue Allor
District 79 – Kim LaSata	District 108 – Beau LaFave
District 83 – Shane Hernandez

Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan is a statewide association serving Michigan's commercial and industrial construction sectors. Founded on the merit shop philosophy to provide equal opportunities to all contractors and all workers, ABC of Michigan works with three state chapters to help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.