Republicans Got A Candidate In Competitive SD-12

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/16/2025) Republican Shelley Wright of Harrison Township has filed for the 12th Senate district to take on incumbent Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), giving the GOP its first challenger in likely the state's most competitive Senate District in 2026.

Wright directs a process serving company called Serveit Inc., delivering legal documents. The 59-year-old Macomb County Republican is a University of Michigan alumnus and a Lake Saint Clair boater. Her candidate committee was formed on Oct. 9, with the treasurer being listed as Ken Licari, Macomb County's regional director for President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign.

Former Rep. Pamela Hornberger essentially endorsed Wright on Facebook in August, writing "Vote Hertel out! Vote Republican. Shelley Wright is going to be a force to be reckoned with!"

The 12th state Senate district was one of Michigan's most competitive legislative districts last cycle. Ahead of the 2022 General Election, Hertel had raised $572,318 in his candidate account and his opponent, then-Chesterfield Republican Rep. Pamela Hornberger, raised $342,290 (not including $1.96 million backing her campaign in non-cash gifts).