State Rep. Jennifer Wortz was elected to serve as the Republican deputy whip in the Michigan House of Representatives in a vote of her peers Nov. 5.
“It was an unexpected honor,” Wortz told The Collegian. “I look forward to working with the caucus. We have a lot of work to do in the next couple of years to regain the majority in 2028.”
Wortz, who represents Hillsdale County, Branch County, and portions of Lenawee County, won a second two-year term as a member of the state house Nov. 3, when she defeated Democrat Jeff Cooley with 70.8% of the vote.
Wortz said she had not originally planned to run for party leadership, but changed her mind when no one else volunteered for the position.
Representative Tom Kunse of Clare County and Representative Rachelle Smit of Allegan County were elected the Republican leader and the assistant Republican leader, respectively. Representative Bill Schuette of Midland will serve as the Republican whip.
“The caucus whip is a job of critical importance in communicating key information among legislators,” according to a press release from the Michigan House of Representatives. “Wortz, along with whip Rep. Bill Schuette, will inform colleagues about important issues and decisions coming up on the House floor to continue moving Michigan forward. She will also serve as a liaison between caucus leaders and other members, tracking votes, and assisting legislators with policy-related questions.”
Democrats will have a 63-47 majority in the statehouse in January, after Republicans lost their current 58-52 majority in last week’s elections.
Wortz said the Republican Party in Michigan needs to focus on outreach the next two years in order to come out on top in 2028.
“We need to really listen to our constituents better,” Wortz said. “We need to work across the aisle better. We need to work on affordability. We need to work on true economic growth in the state of Michigan, not funding that through more tax breaks to bring companies here. We need to allow for real natural growth to occur. We need to address the issues and affordability across the board with healthcare, from health insurance to prescription drugs to the rising costs in hospitals.”
To accomplish this, the GOP needs to be willing to cooperate with the Democrats, according to Wortz.
“Obviously we are not the party in control for the next two years,” Wortz said. “So, we need to be the voice that brings common sense to the table. And, hopefully, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are willing to listen and work with us. We’ll see what happens.”
