The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce understands the importance of electing leaders who are committed to the issues that matter most to our business community. As part of our commitment to supporting investors and promoting voter education, we host an annual Candidate Forum, giving candidates a platform to address the issues that matter most to our community and helping voters make informed decisions.
The 2026 Candidate Forum will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the West Shore Community College Downtown Manistee Education Center located at 400 River Street, Manistee, MI 49660.
Voter Information
November 3, 2026 Election
4-Year Term - The Governor of Michigan is elected to a four-year term and may be reelected once, serving a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Candidates seeking the Governor nomination:Â
R: John James
D: Jocelyn Benson
Elected Officials
2-Year Term - The City Council is the governing body for the City of Manistee. The council consists of seven members who serve two-year terms. Members are nominated by district but elected at large by voters. Elections are nonpartisan. Terms are staggered with districts 1,3, 5 and 7 elected one year while districts 2, 4 and 6 are elected the next year.
District 1: Julia Raddatz
District 2: Wesley Smith
District 3: Liz Laskey
District 4: Jermaine Sullivan - Mayor
District 5: Kay Keck
District 6: James Grabowski
District 7: Lani Rozga
District 2: Wesley Smith (Re-Elected)
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- Challenger: Linda Gamache-Chick
District 4: Jermaine Sullivan - Mayor
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- No Challenger
District 6: James Grabowski (Re-Elected)
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- Challenger: Mark Wittlieff
