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Radio host Jack O’Malley running for state House

WTCM

A longtime radio personality is running for the state House in northern Michigan. WTCM-FM morning host Jack O’Malley announced Tuesday he’s running as a Republican for the 101st District.

The seat, which spans from Ludington to Northport, is open this fall. Current Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) announced last month he’s running for the state Senate instead of re-election.

O’Malley lives in Lake Ann and says he has gotten to know the people of northern Michigan through his radio job. 

“I just feel that it is an opportunity to kind of step out from the ranks and maybe lead from the front,” O’Malley says, “to get out there and represent what the folks in northern Michigan need.”

He says he wants to lower taxes and fix the roads.

O’Malley says he feels called to serve northern Michigan after being on the radio for more than 30 years.

“This might sound corny but I never served in the military,” O’Malley says. “And I am a loyal traditionalist, and I just feel that this is a way for me to serve.”

O’Malley is the only Republican in the race so far.

Democrat Kathy Wiejaczka, a registered nurse from Empire, is also a candidate for the 101st District.