Bergman Once Hosted A Fundraiser For His New Opponent

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/23/2026) A second Republican has filed a campaign committee to run in the 1st Congressional District Republican primary against U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet). It's a candidate with whom the retired Lieutenant General is familiar with.

Matthew DenOtter recently filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run out of a Boyne City residence after declaring an Oakland County address four years ago. At that time, DenOtter was running in the 11th Congressional District and Bergman held a fundraiser for him at an Italian restaurant.

DenOtter hasn't said why he would be running against Bergman, but it does make the race a three-way primary with Justin Michal, who has been running a surprisingly effective primary against Bergman.

DenOtter is a molecular diagnostic specialist with mdxhealth. He previously has worked in sales for Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Allergan and AstraZeneca. The married father of a daughter has volunteered at Our Lady of the Fields Camp. He is a graduate of Calvin University with a degree in criminal justice.

He lost the 2022 primary in the 11th District with 27 percent of the Republican vote in a head-to-head race, despite putting nearly $150,000 of his own money into it.

Other election news includes:

- Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) filed to seek a third term in the state House.

- A former Davison Township treasurer candidate, Deanna Martin, has filed to run in the 68th House District against Rep. David Martin (R-Davison) (no relation) in the Republican primary.

- A Detroit police officer, Tyus Monroe, who made the news for being sentenced for a domestic violence charge in 2025, is running in the 4th state House District, which is Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit)'s district. Whitsett is not expected to seek another term. Monroe becomes the second candidate in the district.