GOP Candidate Robert Wojtowicz Endorsed by Pro-Voucher, DeVos-Funded Group

Rep. Denise Mentzer, the Democratic incumbent running for reelection in House District 61, lists education as one of her top priorities. Rep. Mentzer voted for SB 173, the education budget expansion bill which, according to Gov. Whitmer’s office, sought to "improve student success through tutoring” and “prioritizes mental health resources so students succeed in the classroom.”

Rep. Mentzer says that because she earned her college degree while working full time, she “will fight to make sure all students and workers have access to trade school or college programs where they can earn a degree or develop the skills they need to get ahead.” 

Rep. Mentzer’s Republican opponent is Robert Wojtowicz. Wojtowicz does not have a campaign website and has not publicly stated his policy positions on education or other issues, which is fairly unusual at this stage in the election. 

Wojtowicz has been endorsed by the Great Lakes Education Project, which is a Betsy DeVos-funded pro-voucher organization. 

Wojtowicz would be joining the Republican caucus, the majority of whom voted against SB 173, an education budget bill that increased funding for Michigan’s public schools.