Although much remains to be decided nationally, the dust is starting to settle on the 2022 midterm elections locally.

Here are a handful of instant reactions to what will likely end up being a record turnout for a midterm.

Until someone gives them a good reason not to, First District voters like and support Republican Jack Bergman of Watersmeet — a lot.

Bergman had no trouble whatsoever turning back a challenge from a Democrat, Bob Lorinser of Marquette, to keep his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The general, as Bergman is often referred to, is proving to be a much more adept politician than even many of his supporters gave him credit for a couple of years ago.

Lorinser was game but clearly, First District voters approve of the job Bergman is doing in Washington.

Ed McBroom, a Republican from Waucedah Township, won another term as state senator from the Upper Peninsula, topping Democrat John Braamse of Marquette.

McBroom has developed a reputation for doing his own thinking, refreshing in this day and age of top-down toxicity in politics.

Braamse ran a good campaign but probably never had a real chance.

Jenn Hill of Marquette bested Melody Wagner of Gwinn for the Marquette-area’s state representative job.

But Wagner, a Republican, gave Hill a substantial run for her money as the race seesawed back and forth for much of election night.

Hill replaces Sara Cambensy, who was term limited out of office. She will be a part of a State Legislature controlled by Democrats for the first time in many years.

Greg Markkonen of Hancock, a Republican, was returned to the State House by a wide plurality, defeating Democrat Casey VerBerkmoes of Hubbell.

As a practical matter, the U.P. remains a bastion of conservatism with only a handful of liberal strongholds.

It’s hard to see that changing anytime soon.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette