Beau LaFave, left, who previously served as Representative of Michigan's 108th -- a seat now held by Dave Prestin -- is now running for Michigan's 38th Senate District. Congressman Jack Bergman, right, recently endorsed the young politician LaFave, and in so doing lost the support of other U.P. legislators in the Republican party.

ESCANABA — Drama unfolded between Upper Peninsula Republican legislators this week, largely surrounding Congressman Jack Bergman’s endorsement of a candidate for State Senator of Michigan’s 38th District.

The seat in the Michigan Senate now occupied by Ed McBroom represents almost the entire U.P., barring only portions of the two easternmost counties. Because he has reached the term limit, McBroom is unable to seek reelection this November.

Having announced candidacy for the seat are Dave Prestin, Republican from Cedar River who currently sits as State Representative for the 108th District in the Michigan House; Kelli van Ginhoven, Democrat from Escanaba currently seated on the Delta County Board of Commissioners; Beau LaFave, Iron Mountain Republican who served District 108 from 2017 to 2022; and Chris Mapps of Quinnesec. A couple others had entered the race but later exited.

According to McBroom, Bergman told him he would not be endorsing anyone for the 38th District — but went back on his word. He recently endorsed LaFave.

In 2016, dark horse LaFave was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for District 108 at just 24 years old. He was reelected and served until the term limit hit. In 2020, he made waves by openly carrying an AR weapon to the State Capitol in opposition to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed gun laws — and then having it and another firearm stolen from his home days later. He ran for Michigan Secretary of State in 2022 but lost the Republican nomination to Kristina Karamo.

In addition to second amendment rights, LaFave supports property rights and opposes “environmental extremism” and overreaching government.

“Beau is not a yes-man … He is a straight talker with strong convictions. At a time when too many elected officials backstab, cave to pressure, or say whatever is convenient, Beau has shown he has the integrity the 38th district needs,” Bergman said is a recent press release. “Lansing needs experienced fighters who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and put in the work for the people they represent. …I proudly endorse Beau LaFave for Michigan’s 38th Senate District, and I ask you to join me in voting for him in the Republican primary this August.”

This unexpected support from Bergman, coupled with dirt drug up on the other GOP candidate, drew ire from area Republican politicians, causing several to withdraw their support for Bergman.

“Jack promised me he would not be endorsing in this race. I wish I could say I’m surprised that he lied to me or that this is out of character for my time working with Jack, but it’s not,” McBroom said. “I’ve seen him be disloyal to local party members, interfere in races outside his district, stab fellow Republicans in the back, and even publicly attack me. Those were internal party matters. This time is different. This time, he straight-up lied to me. Now he’s siding against the clear, best option for the U.P. I will not stand by silently while he undermines the work we have done for the U.P.”

Along with McBroom, Karl Bohnak and Greg Markkanen — Representatives for Michigan House Districts 109 and 110, respectively — all endorsed Prestin for Senate in October. Bohnak called Prestin’s leadership and policy knowledge “critical.”

However, a post from Jack Bergman’s campaign on Tuesday called Prestin a “wife-beater,” referring to a 1993 case in which Prestin pled guilty to domestic violence.

“I won’t back down from putting principle over party pressure. True America First Republicans stand for integrity, accountability, and putting the people first,” the Facebook post read.

McBroom, Markkanen and Bohnak had all previously endorsed Bergman for reelection to Congress, but officially rescinded their support this week after Bergman’s endorsement of LaFave and diss of Prestin.

“You would think the Congressman might ask those of us in Lansing why we support Prestin before backing someone else and trashing us. Instead, this is just another example of his disconnect from what’s actually happening in the U.P.,” said Bohnak.

The 110th Representative also alluded to Bergman’s out-of-state residence; many people are dismayed about his time spent in Louisiana, as opposed to the address he maintains in Watersmeet.

“For years, Congressman Bergman has been criticized for being absent from the U.P.,” said Markkanen. “This only reinforces that concern. He never contacted any of us to understand why we chose to endorse Rep. Dave Prestin. That decision was made carefully by us who live here and have worked with both candidates for years. Dave has the experience, commitment, and understanding the U.P. needs right now. He has worked as a first responder, owned a small business, and served on community boards across the region while raising his daughter with his wife of more than 25 years. Building a community while raising a family is no small task. Dave knows what real life is like up here.”

In response to their affirming voices, Prestin said, “I am deeply grateful for the full support of the U.P. legislative team,” Prestin said. “Unity is essential to the Upper Peninsula’s survival and our ability to push back against forces in Lansing and Washington that don’t understand our way of life. I never sought Congressman Bergman’s endorsement. I want the support of people who live here, work here, and know what’s happening in the U.P. For me, this race is about peninsula over party.”

Presently, Bergman holds the seat that represents Michigan’s First Congressional District — the entire U.P. and about the northern third of the Lower Peninsula — in U.S. Congress. As a retired veteran — former lieutenant general in the Marine Corps — and supporter of President Donald Trump, Bergman is popular with many Republicans. On the other hand, other residents have expressed frustration with his policies and perceived unreachability.

Working to unseat and replace Bergman are Republicans Justin Michal and Matthew DenOtter; Democrats Callie Barr, Wayne Stiles and Kyle Blomquist; and Independent Zebulon Featherly.

“While Lansing’s favorite politicians want to play games that no one cares about, my campaign remains fully committed to fighting for the U.P., not the Lansing donors fueling my opponent’s campaign,” said LaFave.

His press release read:

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Jack Bergman, and I don’t take this lightly. General Bergman has served our Nation honorably for decades. He has proven to be an America First fighter, which is why President Trump endorsed him. General Bergman supports the President in our Nation’s Capital, and I look forward to supporting them in the State Capital.

“Many politicians want to shutdown Line 5, ban ICE from state properties, let wolves ravage our deer population, and turn the Upper Peninsula into a wilderness preserve unsuitable for human habitation. President Trump, General Bergman, and I will work together to preserve and defend the U.P. way of life for generations to come.”