A trial attorney from Traverse City is running as a Democrat for Grand Traverse County’s seat in the state House. Dan O’Neil made the announcement at Horizon Books in Traverse City on Thursday morning.
Rep. Larry Inman (R-Traverse City) is running for a third term in the 104th District.
O’Neil is currently the only Democrat in the race.
Three-time candidate Betsy Coffia will not run again and has endorsed O’Neil.
O’Neil says although it’s been difficult for Democrats to win in Grand Traverse County, he’s optimistic about his chances.
“People have come to realize that we are all in this together and that we have shared values,” O’Neil says. “If we want to find solutions to the problems that we face, we need to come together.”
O’Neil says his legislative priorities are making healthcare and childcare more affordable and boosting school funding.
“Business as usual is not the answer when we have schools that are ranked 42ndin the nation,” O’Neil says. “We can’t afford business as usual when working families are struggling to afford healthcare.”
O’Neil spent 10 years on the Traverse City planning commission.