Meet Our Executive committee
EXECUITIVE BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS
District Chair & State Committee Regular Member
Lori Skibo
I was raised in a traditional, conservative, Catholic household in rural, northern Oakland County. After a career in financial services following college, I made the decision in 2023 to dedicate myself full-time to leadership, organization, and volunteering for the Michigan Republican Party. I still live in the same rural area, where l’m happily married to my high school boyfriend, Jeremy, and where we raise our daughter, Lainee.
I am, at my core, a lifelong Republican voter, an advocacy newcomer, a true believer, and a proud patriot who cherishes America1s values. With my background in financial services, I built a reputation as a creative, critical, and analytical problem solver. These skills have been invaluable as I’ve transitioned into my work as an advocate for conservative values and a dedicated contributor to the election integrity movement.
In my current role as a member of the 9th Congressional District Executive Committee, I have been responsible for day-to-day administration and operations, managing the website, newsletter, media, and email communications. I oversaw the creation and implementation of bylaws, convention planning, door-knocking efforts, and volunteer recruitment. The lawlessness surrounding the 2020 election inspired me to take action, and I began serving as an e lection poll challenger, trainer, and coordinator for Unity4MRP. I also co-hosted Poll Challenger Training sessions and served as Volunteer Project Manager for Michigan Citizens for Election Integrity (MC4El.com).
I was deeply involved in documenting election irregularities, including organizing hundreds of hours of video footage on Detroit Drop Box ballot harvesting. I assisted in the Hand Count Audit collaboration at the April 2022 GOP State Endorsement Convention. During the 2022 General Election, I was a natural fit, stepping in to to lead the Detroit Poll Challenger Team, coordinating volunteers for pre-processing days and election day itself. Initially assigned to the Policy Committee on the State Committee, I played a key role in drafting and passing Convention Rules. Later, I was recruited to help ensure the success of the Mackinac Leadership event. Throughout much of my two-year term, I stepped in to fill vacant and critical functions of the State Party. My dedication has allowed me to grow into a passionate advocate for the causes I believe in, and I continue to serve as both a resource and a leader for the Michigan Republican Party.
I do not see the role of District Chair as a personal endeavor. To me, it’s about the team- the slate of dedicated, proven leader-activists that I have had the privilege of getting to know and respect. These individuals have been carefully selected, not only for their commitment to our shared values but also for the unique and God-given talents they bring to the table. Each member of this slate has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our cause, and together, we have the collective experience, passion, and drive to make a lasting impact. I firmly believe the strength of this team is what will propel us forward and create real, meaningful change. It’s about the work we do together, each of us playing our part, and lifting each other up as we strive to reach the common goal of serving our community and our party with integrity and purpose.
District Vice-Chair & State Committee Regular Member
Braden Giocabazzi
Braden Giacobazzi is a committed full-time engineer with a background in Aerospace and Nanotechnology, complemented by a lifelong curiosity and passion for politics. For the past four years, he has immersed himself in unraveling election processes and laws, sharing data-driven insights and engaging presentations to empower the public. A tireless advocate, he has supported election integrity efforts both nationally and in Michigan, lending his skills to canvassing, data analysis, recruitment, and media relations. Braden’s voice also shines through in numerous articles on politics and culture published across multiple platforms.
His political resolve strengthened in 2020 when he witnessed top-down corruption at Detroit’s absentee counting facility and testified at official hearings. This pivotal moment sparked his unwavering mission to expose and repair a broken system too often condoned or dismissed by leaders of both parties.
In 2022, he led a meticulous statewide recount with EIF (and members of your new MI District 9 EC team!), exposing systemic illegalities still unaddressed by current leadership. That same year, Braden rallied an outstanding team—(also including several of your new D9 EC team!—to create Michigan’s first interactive statewide poll challenger training class, a groundbreaking effort that trained thousands of poll challengers with the united support of organizations across Michigan.
Now, as Vice Chair and Chair of Elections, Braden is excited to team up with District 9’s community and the unparalleled expertise of Chair Lori Skibo to launch bold initiatives that secure our elections and drive lasting change through 2026 and beyond.
Before stepping into volunteer public service, Braden recalls singing, acting, playing music, and teaching partner dance.
Now, he channels that energy into energizing The District and championing transparency and integrity in our politics and elections.
District Treasurer & State Committee Regular Member
Barry Doherty
- Retired from Comerica Bank where I was a Vice President in the Technology division as a program manager of a $300M technology portfolio. I also served for several years as Board President of Mary’s Mantle, a home for pregnant homeless mothers in Southfield. Other experience includes (20) years as Treasurer in my local Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life Chair in Knights of Columbus, Gospel of Life Ministry, Religion Education teacher and currently a volunteer at a not for profit Celtic Cove and Catholic bookstore in Oxford
Political Involvement:
- Past D9 Treasurer and State Committee member of the Policy Committee
- Precinct Delegate for Brandon Twp., and Lake Orion.
- Coordinator for Rep Josh Schriver’s successful 2024 campaign.
- Election Poll Challenger
- CheckMy Vote volunteer
Goals for the District:
- Drive change in the space of Election Integrity
- Increase youth engagement
- Influence improved state by-law restructuring
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- Many things are broken but fixable in our state politics, and the collection of experienced, driven, Christian conservatives we have assembled here in the District (and beyond) have proven to be genuine to their mission and have the drive to continue to accomplish great things.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- I recently delved into woodworking, definitely a novice we will see if I can keep all 10 fingers intact.
District Secretary & Executive Committee Regular Member
Wendy Mazzie
Coming Soon!
STATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
DR. PHILLOP O'HALLORAN
OAKLAND COUNTY
Phil O’Halloran is a passionate Michigander and Republican activist who has dedicated his life to protecting the integrity of elections and defending the US Constitution. With over two decades of experience, Phil has been on the front lines of healthcare, providing urgent and family care to his community as an emergency physician.
In November 2020, Phil served as a poll challenger at the Detroit TCF Center, where he witnessed first hand numerous election law violations. He testified before the Michigan Senate Government Operations Committee and became a co-plaintiff with the Trump Campaign in a lawsuit to prevent the certification of Wayne County.
Phil is a founding member of Michigan Citizens for Election Integrity (MC4EI.com), an organization that advocates for fair and transparent elections. He wrote a 60-page deep dive investigation into the TCF debacle called the “TCF Timeline” and helped design and run the first ever Hand Count Audit at the GOP State Convention in April.
Phil is also known for his media analysis and reporting on the 2020 Drop Box videos showing ballot harvesting. He credentialed challengers in 83 counties and trained/led them in the 2022 Primary and Midterms.
In addition to his political activism, Phil is a devoted family man and parishioner at St. Joseph. He and his wife have two daughters, and Phil has owned and operated an Urgent/Family Care clinic for 15 years.
Phil’s commitment to fighting for the American people and their families led him to co-found the War Room in Lake Orion in support of grassroots efforts in the Fall of 2022. He also served as the Lead plaintiff in O’Halloran v. Benson, October 2022 which achieved victory in the Court of Claims. After the SOS request for temporary stay was denied by the Court of Appeals it was granted by the Michigan Supreme Court.
The case is still under appeal by the Secretary of State.
Phill O’Halloran is a Michigan First, America First, MAGA, pro-Life Republican who defends the US Constitution and is fighting hard for you and your family.
MELISSA PEHLIS
MACOMB COUNTY
Background:
Bookkeeper at a Development/Management company.
Political Involvement:
Macomb County Republican Party Secretary
District 9 Executive Committee Member
District 9 State Committee Member
I have always done research involving our government, which lead me to become as involved as I have in recent years.
Goals for the District:
End the lawlessness going on in our government, including any unconstitutional agencies and bureaucracies. I want to make sure any law or proposal repugnant to our constitution gets voided.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
One day when I meet our Maker, I want to be able to answer when He asks what I did to make a difference.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
I love to cook and consider myself creative, but my most important role in life is to take care of my family!
CATHERINE JEHL
MACOMB COUNTY
Background: I hold a degree in Business Administration and have spent much of my career in retail management at both the store and district levels. For the past 12 years, I have worked as a Trainer and Corporate Field Partner in the beauty industry. Recently, I decided to pursue a new career path and dedicate more time to the important work of growing and strengthening the Republican Party.
Political Involvement:
- Leader of We the County Macomb for 3 years
- District Captain for Convention of States for 2 years
- Precinct Delegate for 4 years
- Election Inspector/Precinct Chair for 4 years
Goals for the District:
- Engage and re-engage inactive precinct delegates to grow the volunteer base
- Inspire delegates to find roles in the party they can be excited about, keeping them engaged and active
Why I’m Passionate About Serving: I have an almost 2-year-old grandson and am concerned about the direction our country and state are heading in. I want to be a part of the solution.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests: I love gardening and yoga and spend most weekends during the winter snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula.
AMANDA MCCLURE
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
Background:
- I am currently a Purchasing Buyer at a tape manufacturing plant. I have a history in various administrative roles in logistics, construction and warehousing. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.
Political Involvement:
- If you had asked me 10 years ago what I thought about politics, I would have told you that it was not my thing, and I did not want to be involved. I was blind to the corruption and bad practices and thought that everything was “OK.” In 2020, my eyes were opened. With everything that was happening, I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t anyone doing anything to stop this?” At that point, I knew that I could no longer sit idle and wait for someone to come save the day. I knew I had to get involved. Since then, I have become an Election Poll Worker, a SCC Precinct Delegate, a member of the Michigan 9th District Executive Committee, and most recently member of the MIGOP State Executive Committee .
Goals for the District:
- With a background in education, I have a deep desire to learn and grow continuously. As a 2nd Term Member of the D9 EC, I am looking forward to being able to help our EC learn from the past 2 years so that we can also learn and grow as a committee, unite our district and win in 2026!
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- I have been inspired by the hardworking volunteers that I have met in the past few years. It is amazing to see what we can accomplish when we all work together. I am proud to be working alongside some of those hardworking people on the D9 EC. I hope to be an inspiration for others to get involved so that we can take back our state together for future generations.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- Outside of politics, I enjoy cooking from scratch and spending time sharing a meal with family and friends. I also appreciate and enjoy a nice meal out. I love gardening and preserving my harvest – it is hard work, but it is extremely rewarding. Boating season is my favorite time of year. In my opinion, there is no place more relaxing than being on a boat, soaking up the sun.
DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Sharon Baumann
Macomb County
Background:
I am a retired registered nurse graduating with a BSN from Wayne State University. The last 16 ½ years of my career, I was a nursing supervisor at a home care agency in Rochester Hills. I supervised nurses, PT’s, OT’s, Speech Therapists and Medical Social Workers.
Political Involvement:
- Precinct Delegate since 2014 in Macomb Township
- Election worker for every elections since 2016.
- Macomb County GOP Executive Committee Member 2017 to 2024
- Served one term as Recording Secretary and one term as Vice Chair of Macomb GOP
- Volunteer Worker for the Trump campaign 2016, 2020 & 2024
- Volunteer Worker for John James’ campaigns for Senate
- Volunteer worker for Ryan Kelly’s campaign & Macomb County Manager
- Volunteer worker for the Terrence Mekoski campaign for Macomb County Sheriff in 2024
Goals for the District:
- Improve the relationships between the district committee and local county organizations
- To be proactive and engaged in grassroots party building and committed to effective conflict resolution.
- To ensure that the concerns and goals of the County Party are communicated and understood by the District Committee.
Why I’m Passionate About Serving:
To hopefully make this country a better place for my children and grandchildren. To eliminate the corruption and lawlessness in our government and elect God-fearing, moral people to serve our country.
Fun Facts or Personal Interests:
Member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Macomb township for over 30 years. I have volunteered for many events and served on various boards. I have two married daughters and six grandchildren. I love spending time with family and babysitting my grandkids.
kevin breslin
Oakland County
Background:
28 years as Director of Professional Services for a design/engineering technology integration solutions company serving the US and Canada.
Political Involvement:
- Elected District 9 Delegate in 2024
- Volunteer for MIGOP and national GOP since the 1990s
Goals for the District:
- Ensure our elections are fair, by the book and legal.
- Help voters understand the realities of what each party represents despite the rhetoric, lies and distortions presented by the media and the political parties.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- I want to leave a better world for my children and future generations.
- Also, would like to limit government erosion of our rights and liberties as Americans.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- I would really much rather not be doing this. I find the world of politics to be repugnant, but my stubborn sense of obligation forces me to engage.
Nancy Caldwell
Oakland County
Background:
Nancy is a seasoned Financial Controller with extensive experience managing the financial operations of multiple organizations. After serving as Controller at an engineering firm until 2017, she transitioned to entrepreneurship and opened her business, Britematter Solutions.
Her fundraising background comes from her days of being PTO president when her kids were of school age. She was also a part of a non profit, A Mother’s Wish, in Oakland County, that fundraised to help breast cancer victims pay their bills.
Outside of her professional life, Nancy enjoys exploring spiritual healing and values time with her family. She has three sons—Mitchell (married to Hannah with a son, Miller), Adam (married to Francesca), and Luke.
Goals for the District:
- Developing and executing fundraising strategies to support party initiatives.
- Engaging donors and securing financial contributions.
- Organizing fundraising events and donor outreach programs.
- Ensuring financial transparency and effective budget management.
Impact & Vision:
Nancy is dedicated to building a strong financial foundation for our party. Through strategic fundraising efforts, she is focused on equipping our candidates and initiatives with the resources needed for success.
A Message from Nancy:
I’m looking forward to meeting new friends with mutual goals. True fundraising is about building trust and uniting people to make a difference.
We appreciate Nancy’s hard work and leadership in securing the funding necessary to drive our mission forward. Stay tuned for upcoming fundraising events and opportunities to contribute!
michael clinesmith
Tuscola County
Background:
- I was a math whiz growing up, and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics from Michigan State University.
- I was the Vassar Township Clerk from November 2011 to November 2019.
- I worked at the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation from March 2023 to January 2025.
- Served as election inspector for Juniata Township the last several years.
Political Involvement:
- Involved in the Western Thumb TEA Party from 2009 to 2017
- Involved with the Tuscola County Republican Party from 2010 to today
- Currently Tuscola County Republican Secretary
- Attended State Republican Conventions from August 2010 to today, only missing the moved convention 3 conventions ago due to disagreement with usurping of the convention.
Goals for the District:
- Good communication between Tuscola County Republican Party and 9th District
- Assist with election integrity processes
Serving:
- I am generally an introvert, however due to major needs in the lack of competence and leadership in government, I was involved in the recall of a former Township Clerk in Vassar Township and won the position. I have assisted several times with governmental projects and election integrity. America needs people to stand up and encourage better governance to protect this great nation.
Fun Facts and Personal Interests:
- Not fun, but in 2019 while I was being recalled, I expressed the importance of having people in government positions to protect the rights of the people and ensure elections are secure. I said God would sort things out and I was threatened and slandered. After I was recalled, COVID hit 4 months later and we saw what happens with leadership that does not care about people’s rights. Things are being sorted out, and we see the divide we currently have in our nation (look at the Speech to the Houses of Congress last night to see the divide) God is sorting things out.
- In 2020, I left the church I had been a member at for 38 years because the leadership stated they were removing me as an elder. They removed me because I expressed concern that governmental fear and propaganda was affecting our church.
- I am currently Chair of the Tuscola County Parks and Recreation Commission, Recording Secretary at my church at King of Kings in Frankenmuth, along with being Secretary with the Tuscola County Republican Party
- I am part owner of Endtime Entrepreneurs, LLC, and have launched a video game called Rebellion on Steam. I am a music composer and video game developer, and organist at King of Kings and Mt. Sinai in Montrose.
- I play organ, piano and French horn.
carol ann hoffman
St. Clair County
Background:
- Born and raised in Michigan. Employed as Sales/Sales Manager by ConstructConnect Corporation for 29.5 years.
- B.A. Business Administration.
- Spent 22 years living in Georgia and Florida.
Political Involvement:
- Facilitated Tea Party meetings in approximately 2010
- Joined SCC GOP in 2023
- Campaigned for 2024 SCC Sherriff Race and my Husband’s SCC Commissioner Race
- Elected as a SCC Precinct delegate in 2024
- Volunteered to obtain signatures for “Citizens for Local Choice” Ballot Initiative.
Goals for the District:
- My goals are to learn as much as possible in order to assist where needed.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- My passion was birthed out of seeing the decline of rule of law and morality. In the last 20 years it appears that a small minority are ruling our country and not for the benefit of the American Citizens. Our constitution must be protected.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- Jesus is my Lord and Savior and sharing my faith is one of my most rewarding efforts.
- I absolutely cherish spending time with my grandchildren. The best part is not knowing what they will say or do next.
Tim Mauro-Vetter
Oakland County
Background
- Tim Vetter is a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer with over 30 years of experience in Michigan’s automotive industry. He actively engages in World Class Technology initiatives, serving as a co-pillar lead in Digital Manufacturing Validation processes, encompassing Industry 4.0, Digital Twin, 3D Facility Scanning, and Data Analysis.
Political Involvement
- He co-founded CheckMyVote.org alongside fellow patriot Phani Mantravadi and continues to collaborate with Phani and other volunteers to enhance this crucial technology.
- Tim also volunteers for the Michigan Fair Elections Institute, where he is active with the M-DOGE team (Michigan Data Oversight for Genuine Elections).
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- Tim believes that election integrity and validity are not partisan issues but American national security concerns that we should all embrace and defend, regardless of who manages our election systems.
Philip McMillan
Sanilac County
Background:
I worked my way through school in the restaurant industry, and now I am working in pharmacy.
Political Involvement:
I come from a Republican family, but before Trump, I was not interested in the uniparty.
Before we take our country back we must take our party back.
Goals for the District:
I hope to bring increased efficiency and organization in my roles for the district.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
I chose to serve to leave a better country for my children.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
In my limited free time I enjoy reading and playing piano.
Lew Miles
Macomb County
Background:
- Union tradesman since 1998; served in various positions on the jobsite from union steward to general foreman; served as Sergeant at Arms and on the Executive Committee in the union.
Political Involvement:
- Served as precinct delegate; previous and current member of D9 Executive Committee; have run in two campaigns for local school board; been advocating for the separation of adult/sexual content material from school libraries; raising community awareness of poor decision making and policies of our school district.
Goals for the District:
- Work toward restoring our government to where it was intended to be: WE THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, from the most local level, to the highest elected officials.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- We have all witnessed the steady decline of our government, with more focus on personal gain as opposed to taking care of our communities. We the People need our voices restored, our concerns addressed, and accountability brought back to political decision making. One of the many things I have learned from union membership, is the strength of a collective unit. Knowledge is something that can never be taken from you, and my hope is to educate as many as possible to make us a great nation once again.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- Range day with family is a favorite thing to do. I love stupid funny movies, and am a huge music fan. You can find this out by having a ten minute conversation with me, as I can’t help but work in movie quotes or song lyrics. So, if we’re having a conversation & you see me crack a smile to myself, you’ll know why.
Richard Schneider
Oakland County
Background:
- Rich Schneider is an Industrial Systems Engineer with 20+ years experience in testing, automation & special machine design, manufacturing and project engineering.
Political Involvement:
- I’ve been involved as a Precinct Delegate since mid-2021, but have followed politics much of my life. Since late 2021, I have attended all Oakland County and State conventions, along with numerous political events not only in Oakland but also Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola counties. I have been a D9 Executive Committee member since early 2024, with duties including Sergeant at Arms and meeting video/sound support.
Goals for the District:
- District 9 seems to have the leadership to help Michigan move ahead with grassroots activists outing corruption in our state. I believe we need to not only keep up with that drive, but make sure to show how we do that so other districts can do the same.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- I’ve been happily employed as an engineer through my life, but after the 2020 election it became clear we need good people with attitude and skillsets to get into running our party.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- I love outdoor sports (fishing, hunting, camping), but also enjoy working in robotics and flexible automation. Currently technologies in anti-gravity and quantum computing are moving forward at great speeds, and it’s an exciting time to watch these come out. I also like lifelong learning (“you don’t know what you don’t know until you know what you don’t know, you know?”
janet sheeran
Macomb County
Background
I have a Bachelor’s Degree and I have been working for a Fortune 500 company for 48 years.
Political Involvement
Precinct Delegate
District 9 Committee Member 2025
About Me
I’m Pro-life, Pro 2A, and Pro Constitutional Republic.
Why I got Involved
Getting involved in politics was encouraged from my father who always said, “Do something, even if it is something little.” Hopefully, the “little somethings” I am doing will help to keep our district, state and country, a Christian country, for our kids and grandkids. The District 9 Members are the hardest working volunteers I have ever met and they are an inspiration for me to do more.
zachary smith
St. Clair County
Background:
I have a strong background in management and leadership, with experience overseeing teams across various industries, including HVAC, construction, and weatherization. My work focuses on ensuring efficiency, collaboration, and helping clients reduce their energy bills. Additionally, I have experience in business and sales, which has strengthened my ability to connect with people and organize successful initiatives.
Political Involvement:
I have been actively involved in Republican politics for several years, serving as a precinct delegate for St. Clair County GOP (2019-2024) and participating in the executive committee. I worked as a field organizer for President Trumps 2024 campaign, contributing to grassroots mobilization and voter outreach efforts. I also advised Joe Pavlov’s 2024 campaign and supported the Lisa McClain and Shane Hernandez campaigns. In 2022, I ran for Michigan Republican Party Outreach Chair, focusing on uniting party members and enhancing communication between districts.
Goals for the District:
My primary goals include strengthening grassroots efforts, improving voter outreach, and ensuring our district remains engaged in local and national issues. I aim to build stronger connections within our communities, support conservative values, and enhance digital and in-person engagement strategies to grow our movement.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
I have always believed in the importance of civic engagement and fighting for the values that make our country strong. My passion for helping others and ensuring that conservative voices are heard motivates me to stay involved and work toward a better future for our district and beyond.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
Outside of politics, I enjoy studying history, traveling, and engaging in charitable efforts to support my local community. I’m also working on improving my health and fitness, attending the gym regularly to achieve my personal wellness goals.
Sandra Tannehill
St. Clair County
Background:
Stay at home Mom (of a teenager and grown twin sons) and Wife. Retired from the Medical Field.
Political Involvement:
Wales Township Planning Commissioner
SCC GOP Delegate
Electoral Inspector
Activist for residents local/county/state
Spoke at the House of Republicans Energy Committee for Michigan in opposition to remove Local Governments from siting and permitting for industrial solar/wind/battery storage along with protesting many times.
Held rallies in opposition of a vaccine mandates for Truckers in Michigan and Canada.
Was interviewed several times in regard to government over-reach that was viewed across the state.
Have attended many local municipalities meetings to educate and help residents regarding PA233 and continue to do so.
Spent hundreds of hours gathering over 5000 signatures across the state for Citizens of Local Choice ballot initiative.
Have made and amended local zoning ordinances that are now shared amongst communities.
Attended many rallies and protests throughout the years.
Participated more recent in two Trump boat parades, a Trump rally which our great President attended, and the Trump Dream Cruise.
Currently very active in our county to remove taxpayers’ funds for EDA due to NDA’s and confidentiality agreements.
Also currently vocalizing and participating in meetings for our county Health Department to regulate PA233 solar/wind/battery storage through powers the state has given which is currently in its final stages.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
State/Federal government over-reach must stop. In order to do that, help make sure we have politicians in Lansing on our side to stand up for our rights and best interests.
Reaching out to our Representatives and Senators to address concerns and find solutions.
Fighting for residents and giving them a voice is my passion.
Educate by spreading the word on current topics, bills, and legislators we endorse that will help residents and Michigan thrive and prevail.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
I’ve met thousands of Michigan residents across the state in the last few years that are fighting to save their livelihood, health, and happiness.
Giving them a voice and putting a spotlight on the topics of government overreach has been my goal. The fight isn’t over, but we are the majority.
Our children’s future in this state and country is my motivation. We are their protectors. This is their home.
Our yearly family vacation entails traveling across beautiful lower and upper Michigan for 2 weeks. We are also boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. This Great Lake State, rural/agricultural land, and residents need to be protected and cherished for our future generations.
Joel Cole
Oakland County
Background:
- Aviation maintenance and repair, Airframe and Powerplant certified
- Five years U.S. Navy as avionics technician and metrologist
- Bachelors in Electrical Engineering
- Masters in Business Administration
- Fourteen years engineering and product management at Stellantis
Political Involvement:
- Republican precinct delegate since 2010 with the exception of the 2012/14 cycle
- Ran for Lake Orion School Board in 2020 and 2024
- Worked on John Reilly’s campaign for Michigan state house
- Treasurer for Alan Hoover’s U.S. Congressional race in 2020
Goals for the District:
- Promote fiscally conservative candidates for Republican candidacies
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- I’m always looking for ways that I can give back and advance truth, justice, and peace
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- Some of my interests include fishing, fitness, spending quality time with my family, and coaching my son’s baseball and flag football teams
- A fun fact about me is that I love to bake bread products like English muffins, baguettes, and dinner rolls. I set up a table to sell my bread products at my kid’s school and sold out!
Austin Franzel
Lapeer County
Background:
- I currently work as a project manager for Nelson’s Construction. I started in the automotive industry as a lube tech for my family’s dealership and grew my resume from there. I am blessed to work for a family-owned and operated small business that supports family and traditional values.
Political Involvement:
- I am a two-term sitting board member and Youth Chairman for the Lapeer County Republican Party.
- Young Americans for Liberty alumni
- Attended the American Legion Boy’s State political mock program
- I have worked for several local elections in Lapeer County to help secure red victories. Even helped door-knock and campaign when we flipped Lapeer City back to red in the Lapeer City election of 2023. John James’s 2020 election cycle I door knocked and Chase Turner for State Representative in 2020
Goals for the District:
- Work with local county youth chapters and establish youth chapters in counties without Youth chapters.
- Work towards developing youth networking across the 9th District and youth advisory board.
- Work on building constitutional education programs.
- Fundraise and grow opportunities for Youth programs.
- Focus on local school board election races and grow our partnership with homeschooling families.
- Youth leadership building to ensure our future leaders have the right tools for success.
Why You’re Passionate About Serving:
- I believe we need to grow our youth programs to help ensure a republican victory in future election cycles. Far too often we see a lack of representation from younger generations in our party. I’m very hopeful that we can make the republican party the party of young families, hard-working youth, and Patriotic Gen-Z and Millennials.
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
- I am a part owner of a storm-chasing company called TC Vortex during storm season I find myself on the road. I have chased Tornados from Michigan down to Texas.
Carol Winn
Lapeer County
My faith, my family and our small farm has been my main focus through the last four decades. My work outside the home has included teaching organic gardening to public school students in Genesee County, supervising the same program that included four districts and working with children in an after-school program in another district. I also worked as a trainer at a Curves for Women for a few years.
Beginning in 1991, I served on our local school board for 12 years. I served as President for nine of those years and Secretary for two years. I also served for many years on the Lapeer County Mental Health Board and Marathon Township Planning Commission. Serving on multiple committees were also a huge part of those positions.
My involvement in the Unlock Michigan and AxMiTax initiatives were both educational and team building. We were not successful in getting enough signatures to put AxMiTax on the ballot, but we informed many taxpayers and may be trying again. I also initiated a county petition that gathered signatures that represented each of our districts and was presented to the Lapeer County Board of Commissioners. I was petitioning them to adopt paper ballots and hand counts for our elections.
District 9 needs to elect candidates who will commit to Americans First. Elected officials in District 9 are not asked to be a public relations professional. They are elected to represent the citizens of our district as gatekeepers, protecting our rights. District 9 voters are strong, faithful and hardworking. We expect our elected officials to represent us with strength and wisdom.
Seeing what is wrong in our society or what is failing, motivates me to make life better for my family and community. My mother was the hardest working woman I have ever known. Among the different jobs she worked in her life, being a lunch lady might have been her favorite. She was tough but had a soft heart for those who needed help. She did not put up with lying and disliked hypocrisy. She had courage and strength, and I hope to carry on with those attributes.
At the beginning of each year, I choose a word instead of making a resolution. Branch is my word for 2025. I chose branch one morning as I sat at my desk looking out at a beautiful Maple that grows in my front yard. The branches are strong and reach toward the sky. They are an extension of their giver of life. It is important to be like those branches.
tom wassa
Tuscola County
Background:
I have 29 years in law enforcement and over 15 years in the fire services. I started my law enforcement career in Dallas, Texas, and retired from the Michigan DNR as a Detective handling cases for the DEQ/EGLE. I was a police chief for two communities, and held the rank of Fire Marshal in the fire service. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Organizational Development and have owned several small businesses. I also have a background in computers and database development.
Political Involvement:
Since the early 80s, I’ve had an interest in politics, legislation and economics. I attended my first Lincoln Day Dinner over 30 years ago. I have ran for political office from the federal level down to the local level. I was also involved in the Tea Party moment. I have held local political offices and was elected to the school board this year.
Why You’re Passionate about Serving:
So why did I get involved? Getting the right people into elected office is important. However, until we understand what the democrats have been doing long before FDR took office, we are going to continue to lose political ground. Republicans look at elections, while the democrats are looking at the big picture on how to control the minds of those who vote for them. Republicans need to change the way we view politics.
Goals for the District:
Promote conservative values and candidates!
Fun Fact or Personal Interests:
My interests include computers, photography, and leather crafting! I also have an interest in geology. Over the last decade or so, I have written several “unconventional or fun” theories on the formation of the Great Lakes, Grand Canyon and other geography features.
LINDA WHETSTONe
Oakland County
Coming Soon!
Debbie ross – honary member
Oakland County
Debbie Ross is a dedicated conservative grassroots activist with a determination to help ensure free and fair elections for all Americans. With a proven track record of leadership, she served as District Chair for the Republican Party in the 9th Congressional District from October 2023 to February 2025. Debbie’s commitment to upholding political integrity and amplifying the voices of her community drives her mission to protect the electoral process. A tireless advocate for conservative values, she stands ready to fight for transparency, accountability, and the rights of every American voter.
dan bowe – honary member
Oakland County
We are seeking to have Americans join District 9 in ‘Peacefully’ taking back our Counties; State and Country….for our Children & Grandchildren….Let’s get to Work!
Vietnam Veteran / Retired Law Enforcement