Hertel faces Goldwater in tight Macomb Senate race

The control of the Michigan state senate hinges on the November 3 election, with Democrats aiming to hold or expand their current 20-18 majority. In the 12th Senate District, a competitive stretch along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, the outcome of the race between incumbent Kevin Hertel and challenger John Goldwater could determine that balance.

Hertel, a 41-year-old St. Clair Shores resident, won the seat in 2022 by a margin of 404 votes. That victory over Republican Pamela Hornberger represented a difference of just 0.3 percentage points. His term expires on January 1, 2027. Goldwater, an oil and gas entrepreneur from New Baltimore, defeated four opponents in the Republican primary to secure his party's nomination, including former Algonac Mayor Eileen Tesch.

The district covers parts of Macomb, St. Clair, and Wayne counties. It includes the communities of Algonac, Chesterfield Township, Clay Township, Harrison Township, the Grosse Pointe cities, Harper Woods, Ira Township, and New Baltimore. A portion of Clinton Township also falls within the district boundaries. Both candidates have outlined plans to address the high cost of living, a primary concern for voters in the area.

Campaign finance reports reveal a stark disparity in resources. Hertel raised more than $640,000 for his campaign. Goldwater reported holding $18,790. The difference in funding underscores the scale of the challenge facing the Republican candidate in a district that has historically leaned toward the incumbent's party in recent years.

Hertel, who served six years in the Michigan House of Representatives before joining the senate, cites his father, former House speaker Curtis Hertel, as an influence on his bipartisan approach. He stated that he delivers results by working with colleagues across the aisle. His legislative agenda focuses on affordability, specifically targeting tax relief for working parents and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, Social Security, and retirement. He also aims to freeze utility rates.

On environmental issues, Hertel plans to continue efforts to improve Lake St. Clair water quality. He intends to enhance aging water infrastructure to prevent basement flooding. A specific goal is to pressure Oakland County to stop discharging millions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage into Macomb County waterways. He also seeks to lower health care costs by reducing prescription co-pays and expanding addiction and behavioral health resources.

Goldwater frames the race as a response to economic pressures. He described running for the seat as a patriotic duty. He noted that the cost of living is too high for both Democrats and Republicans. Goldwater, a father of six children in the Anchor Bay School District, expressed concern about their financial future. He questioned whether his 18-year-old daughter could afford a home by the age of 24 or 25.

Goldwater's platform includes lowering costs for families, cleaning up Lake St. Clair, and eliminating taxes for seniors. He carries the middle name Barry, a connection to the late Arizona senator and conservative icon Barry Goldwater, who was a distant cousin of John Goldwater's grandfather. Goldwater said he plans to keep fighting regardless of the election result.

Other Macomb County senators face contests in the same election. Republican Michael Webber seeks re-election in the 9th District against physician Theresa Brooks. In the 11th District, Democratic incumbent Veronica Klinefelt faces Republican Johnnie Townsend. The 24th District, an open seat due to term limits, features state representative Douglas Wozniak against Clinton Township teacher Edlira Sako. In the 25th District, Democrat April Osentoski runs against Port Huron resident Andrew Beeler.