EMMETT COUNTY, MI — Citing overwhelming community support for change, Parker Fairbairn of Emmett County has filed to challenge the incumbent Republican state representative in the 107th state house district.
Fairbairn filed after what he insists is community support to replace state representative Neil Friske. “This race is not about me – it’s about US. It’s about restoring OUR voice in Lansing. It’s about getting real conservative representation. It’s about standing up for our Veterans, for our small businesses, for Law Enforcement, for our kids, for our future. It’s about leadership that shows up for WE THE PEOPLE,” said Fairbairn in a Facebook post on his campaign page.
“From business owners in the Soo to local leaders in Charlevoix County, I’m humbled to have had so many great people in our communities ask me to run for State Representative and give US a voice in Lansing,” the post concluded.
The letter was signed by numerous elected officials, business leaders and community members across the district.
Friske beat Fairbairn in the 2022 Republican primary 42 percent to 35 percent and went on to win the overwhelmingly Republican district by a smaller than expected margin in the general election. This year, Fairbairn is the only other candidate in the primary meaning Friske will need to secure a majority to win this year’s primary.
In early attacks, Fairbairn has called Friske, “No Show, Neil” and accused him of voting against legislation to honor our veterans. Fairbairn also points out that Friske has no committee assignments and promises to bring a conservative voice to Lansing.
Friske has no public posts attacking Fairbairn but many supporters of Friske have commented on Fairbairn’s posts calling him a RINO which means Republican in Name Only, an attack usually tossed at lifelong Republicans by newer Republicans.
