BOB LORINSER

LANSING — Bob Lorinser of Marquette has officially filed as the Democratic candidate for the First U.S. Congressional District seat now held by U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman.

Lorinser’s campaign stated in a news release Monday it had gathered 2,024 constituent signatures, surpassing the required minimum of 1,000 and reaching the maximum limit of 2,000 set by the state of Michigan. Volunteers collected signatures in every one of the 36 counties in the district, which includes representing northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula.

It should put Lorinser on the ballot for the Aug. 6 primary.

This is Lorinser’s second congressional run against incumbent Republican Bergman of Watersmeet, who is seeking his fifth two-year term in office. In 2022, Bergman won with 60% of the vote to 37% for Lorinser.

“Considering unfavorable redistricting in 2022, my campaign already proved we can move the needle in the area for Democrats by up to 5 points,” Lorinser said of his latest bid. “My experience during the last cycle gives me a distinct advantage and the determination to continue our fight for hardworking families.”

Lorinser said he recognizes that unseating an incumbent can be challenging but firmly believes that the chances of success are exponentially better with repeat candidates.

“It’s difficult for any first-time candidate to make a dent in the electorate, but Rep. Jack Bergman has never faced a second-time challenger,” Lorinser said. “Our campaign has garnered tremendous support this year, evident by the generosity of thousands of donors. I am very grateful.”

Lorinser’s platform includes policies such as universal health care, affordable secondary education, housing and child care, according to his news release. He states he is the only candidate supporting a single-payer health care system and is a staunch supporter of Medicare for All “because it will save taxpayers $500 billion a year.”

Lorinser said he is a proponent of a labor revolution that would create more and better jobs with family-sustaining wages and workers’ rights while helping small businesses thrive. He also emphasizes the importance of environmental protection, border security, immigration reform and a strong moral foreign policy.

“I am running for Congress again because our district has been ignored and underserved for far too long, and to succeed, we cannot abandon our momentum,” Lorinser said. “We must persevere because northern Michigan and the U.P. deserve a fighter and a uniter.”

Lorinser’s background includes being a family physician, a former diplomat, social worker and public health medical director. He has served in various capacities, including with the U.S. State Department, in the Navajo Nation and at the former U.S. Air Force base in KI Sawyer, according to his campaign. Lorinser has lived in Marquette County for nearly four decades.