Gubernatorial Run Likely For Mark Hackel

METRO DETROIT, MI — While he hasn’t made a firm decision, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel appears to be leaning toward a 2018 gubernatorial run. Media reports indicate there’s a better than 50-50 chance he will formally announce his candidacy by midsummer.

The one-time Macomb County Sheriff is a Democrat, but didn’t dismiss the idea of running as an independent if he can’t garner the support of the state’s Democratic Party leaders. Hackel told the Detroit News he shares some traits with Republicans.

“I’m fiscally conservative, and I agree with a lot of Republican positions,” he told the newspaper. “I think voters just see me as a guy who can get things done. But I’m a Democrat, and that’s how I’d probably run.”

Hackel was elected as Macomb’s first county executive in 2010 after a lengthy career with the sheriff’s office. In his county biography, he says he “is a proud graduate of Warren Consolidated Schools, (and) never missed a day of classes.” Hackel holds a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and a master's in public administration from Central Michigan University.

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Hackel made the comments in an interview on Mackinac Island Tuesday. He’s there along with many other state dignitaries for the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference.

Thus far, the race to succeed Gov. Rick Snyder is a busy one. Gretchen Whitmer and Mark Bernstein are the most prominent Democrats to announced their intentions. On the Republican side, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley are running. Hackel, for one, isn’t blown away by the field.

“If I get in, I’m pretty sure I can win the Democratic primary,” he told the Detroit News.

Hackel is certainly not lacking for confidence, either. “I look at this the same way I did when I decided to run for (Macomb County) sheriff and county executive — I don’t necessarily want to run, but I’m afraid of what will happen if I don’t,” he told the newspaper. “There are problems that need to be solved — infrastructure, mental health, for example — that I believe I can solve.”

Hackel prides himself on being able to work with members of both parties. He’s downright fed up partisan politics, too.

“I’m tired of hearing politicians say how much they hate Republicans or how much they hate Democrats,” he told the Detroit News. “All that does is make you ineffective if you do win office. You can’t work with the other side. I’ve always been able to work with Republicans.”

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Regional Chamber