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“I am running because I was and still am the best person to be a representative for this district. I grew up here, while John James was a stranger in this district...

“....I lived in my dad’s store when I was a kid. I was a prosecuting attorney for years, a probate judge, a circuit court Judge. I really do know the people in this district, and I know that I represent their ideals and their priorities. And I have watched John James now in Congress, and he’s not representative of us.” (Detroit News, 9/8/23)

 

BACKGROUND + EXPERIENCE

Carl Marlinga is a life-long resident of District 10. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit Mercy + his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. Marlinga has served his community for nearly 40 years as Macomb County prosecutor, US Attorney + judge. He has a track record of working to uphold the rule of law, affirming fundamental rights, cracking down on white-collar crime + protecting domestic abuse victims. In 2022, he lost the race for this seat by 1600 votes – less than .5%.

Marlinga’s experience includes:

  • Was the first prosecutor in Macomb County history to hire African-American assistant prosecutors

  • Greatly expanded opportunities for women lawyers in the prosecutor’s office increasing their number fro 7% in1984 to more than 50% in 2004

  • Led the fight to get tough on white-collar crime

  • Established the Macomb Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program to enable prompt examination + support services for victims of sexual abuse

  • Was a founding board member of Care House which provides services to victims of childhood sexual abuse

  • Advocates for those facing mental + behavioral health challenges

  • Was recognized by the National Association of the Mentally Ill for his advocacy on behalf of the mentally ill.

  • Honored by Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter for his work on behalf of victims of domestic violence

  • ​As Macomb Prosecutor, Carl appointed the first openly-gay person to head a major crimes unit (Homicide) in Macomb County in 1985.

 

ON THE ISSUES

Here is a sampling of Carl Marling’s positions on key issues:

  • Jobs: strengthen Michigan’s clean energy while creating jobs for thousands + fueling economic growth

  • Abortion Rights: protect reproductive freedom + abortion rights

  • Economy: hold down inflation + create well-paying jobs

  • Environment: Protect Great Lakes + waterways from corporate polluters

  • Criminal justice: ensure our justice system works for everyone, not just those at the top.

(See: marlinbga4congress.com for further details on these issues.)

 

POLITICS IN MICHIGAN

MI 10 is in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan consisting of southern Macomb County, Rochester + Rochester Hills in Oakland County. The current district is considered quite competitive. Southern Macomb County tends to vote Democratic while central Macomb + Rochester/Rochester Hills tend to be more moderate to slightly Republican.

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The MI 10 in 2024 incumbent is John James (R) who defeated Carl Marlinga in 2022 48.8 to 48.3 %, a margin of just 1600 votes.

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Daily Kos has calculated that the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have seen Trump defeating Biden 49.8 to 48.8%

Michigan is again a Presidential battleground state with a critical Senate election for an open seat created by Senator Debbie Stabenow’s retirement.

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