Former Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole wins bid for Michigan House District 71

LANSING, MI – Receiving 62.6% of the total votes cast in the race for Michigan House District 71 so far, former Shiawassee County Sheriff and Republican Brian BeGole defeated his Democratic opponent, Mark Zacharda, in the Nov. 5 general election.

BeGole was first elected to serve District 71 in the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022.

District 71 includes parts of Genesee, Saginaw, and Shiawassee counties. Saginaw County municipalities in District 71 include the villages of Chesaning and Oakley as well as Brady and Maple Grove townships.

The race between BeGole and Zacharda was a rematch of the race for the same House seat in 2022, which BeGole won by approximately 7,000 votes.

According to his campaign website , Zacharda works as a third-generation farmer in Shiawassee County.

On the same campaign website, combatting inflation, maintaining local property control, and restoring the faith residents have in elections are listed as some of Zacharda's top priorities.

Zacharda did not have any primary challengers.

BeGole advanced to the general election by defeating Republic primary challenger Kevin Rathburn in August.

According to BeGole's campaign website , he is anti-abortion rights, a staunch supporter of the second amendment, and supports agriculture.

Additionally, BeGole said he would work to ensure electric vehicles are produced in Michigan rather than being imported from China, and he wants to give more control to local municipalities when it comes to proposed solar or wind farms.

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