State Rep. Jeff Mayes Declares Candidacy for Barcia's State Senate Seat

December 6, 2009
By: Dave Rogers

State Rep. Jeff Mayes, 38, has announced he will seek the State Senate seat of term-limited James A. Barcia.

The 31st District seat covers Arenac, Bay, Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac counties.

The announcement comes with a strong declaration of the need for creating and protecting jobs.

"As a state we need to insure not only a healthy jobs climate, but also make sure we have schools with resources available to educate our children," said Mayes, a Democrat who has served three terms in the House.

Rep. Mayes was a co-author of the state's energy plan that includes investments in renewable energy. He also has helped promote agriculture-based ethanol and biodiesel fuels.

Another initiative was job creation legislation that helped secure a billion dollars in new investment at the Dow Corning Hemlock Semiconductor Plant.

He also worked on a law to protect seniors from having their energy turned off during the winter heating season.

Rep. Mayes serves as chair of the Energy and Technology Committee and is a member and former chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He also serves on the Banking & Financial Services Committee and Tax Policy Committee and is co-chair of the Right to Life and Local Government caucuses.

He was Bangor Township supervisor 2000-2004 and served as president of the Bay County Township Officers Association. He also served as legislative assistant to state representatives Howard Wetters and Joseph Rivet and worked for former representative A.T. Frank.

Mayes was a graduate of T.L. Handy High's last graduating class and is an Eagle Scout. He was an Evans Scholar and was graduated from the University of Michigan.

Mayes is married to the former Michelle Beaujean of Vassar, Michigan. He is Roman Catholic.