Republicans Jones, Shaver face primary for chance to unseat Witwer in 76th House race
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LANSING — Two Republicans are running in the Aug. 6 primary for a chance to unseat Lansing Democrat Angela Witwer in the 76th District state House district.
Restaurant owner Peter Jones, of Lansing, and Charlotte pastor Andy Shaver are hoping to represent the newly drawn House district that includes much of Eaton County, not including Grand Ledge and the northwest and southwest corners of the county.
Witwer is unopposed in the primary.
Peter Jones, Republican, Lansing
Jones is CEO of a Ohana Sushi and Bar, 707 Brookside Dr., which he operates with his wife, Jeanie. He is also executive vice-president of sales and marketing for the Tangy Crab, 7433 W. Saginaw St. and co-founder of Fuel’d Stir Fry and Salads in 2022, and the owner of The Peter Jones Agency since 2012, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously worked as an assistant general manager for Menards.
Messages left for Jones and a member of his campaign were not returned.
Andy Shaver, Republican, Charlotte
Shaver is pastor of Real Life Church in Charlotte, a non-denominational Christian church. His agenda includes advocating for parental rights, limited government and pro-family and small business policies. “Education freedom – the natural and fundamental right of parents to determine and direct the care and education of their children is under attack,” Shaver said. “Several major health networks in Michigan are kicking parents out of adolescent/teenager exam rooms after being told that the children are old enough to make medical decisions on their own, and that minor children must give consent for parents to stay in exam rooms, make medical decisions, or acquire medical records.
He and his wife, Emily, who is co-pastor of their church, have been married for 21 years and have five children. They are 5th generation residents of Chester Township near Charlotte.
His is endorsed by Delta Township-based law firm Kallman Legal Group, which has represented Owosso barber Karl Manke parents who sued Williamston Community Schools over its gender identification policies, as well as Steve and Bridget Tennes,owners of Country Mill Farms in Benton Township who successfully sued East Lansing over the city's refusal to allow them to participate in the farmers market because of the mill's decision not to host same sex weddings.
“I will uphold parents’ rights to protect their children, and join with others to make common-sense solutions that protect our citizens – and their rights,” Shaver said. “I will stand strong against the tyranny in Lansing and stand up for what is right,. I will vote every time to protect your God-given rights, and be a representative you can trust.”
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Republicans Jones, Shaver face primary for chance to unseat Angela Witwer in Eaton County
