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Denise Mentzer

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Denise Mentzer
Image of Denise Mentzer

Democratic Party

Michigan House of Representatives District 61
Tenure

2023 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

2

Predecessor

Compensation

Base salary

$71,685/year

Per diem

No per diem is paid. Legislators receive an expense allowance of $10,800/year for session and interim.

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

L'Anse Creuse High School

Associate

Macomb Community College, 1999

Bachelor's

Baker College, 2009

Other

Grand Valley University, 2011

Personal
Birthplace
Mount Clemens, Mich.
Profession
Government administrator
Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Denise Mentzer (Democratic Party) is a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing District 61. She assumed office on January 1, 2023. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027.

Mentzer (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Michigan House of Representatives to represent District 61. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Mentzer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Denise Mentzer was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Mentzer earned a high school diploma from L'Anse Creuse High School, an associate degree from the Macomb Community College in 1999, a bachelor's degree from Baker College in 2009, and additional education from Grand Valley University in 2011. Her career experience includes working as the senior buyer for Macomb County and as a government administrator. Mentzer has served as the vice president of the Mount Clemens Optimist Club and on the board of the Mount Clemens Public Library Board of Friends.[1][2][3]

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2023-2024

Mentzer was assigned to the following committees:


Elections

2024

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 61

Incumbent Denise Mentzer defeated Robert Wojtowicz in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Denise Mentzer
Denise Mentzer (D) Candidate Connection
 
50.7
 
25,449
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Robert Wojtowicz (R)
 
49.3
 
24,728

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 50,177
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61

Incumbent Denise Mentzer advanced from the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 on August 6, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Denise Mentzer
Denise Mentzer Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
7,930

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 7,930
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61

Robert Wojtowicz defeated Russ Cleary and John Grossenbacher in the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 on August 6, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Robert Wojtowicz
 
45.3
 
2,845
Image of Russ Cleary
Russ Cleary Candidate Connection
 
39.8
 
2,496
Image of John Grossenbacher
John Grossenbacher Candidate Connection
 
14.9
 
938

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 6,279
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Mentzer received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Mentzer's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.

  • Michigan League of Conservation Voters

2022

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 61

Denise Mentzer defeated Mike Aiello in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Denise Mentzer
Denise Mentzer (D) Candidate Connection
 
52.0
 
20,126
Image of Mike Aiello
Mike Aiello (R) Candidate Connection
 
48.0
 
18,559

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 38,685
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61

Denise Mentzer advanced from the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 on August 2, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Denise Mentzer
Denise Mentzer Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
7,828

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 7,828
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61

Mike Aiello defeated Austin Negipe in the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 on August 2, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Mike Aiello
Mike Aiello Candidate Connection
 
84.8
 
6,864
Image of Austin Negipe
Austin Negipe Candidate Connection
 
15.2
 
1,231

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 8,095
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign finance


Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Denise Mentzer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mentzer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I grew up in Mount Clemens, graduated from L'Anse Creuse High. I worked for a landscape contractor for 13 years as a Landscapers & Graders 1191 member before accepting a job as a Clerk in the Macomb County Health Department. I was promoted to computer tech at the County Library, then a Small Business Consultant in the Planning Department, all under AFSCME Council 25, Local 411. I was a member for 20 years, steward for 19, Vice President for 5. I was promoted to senior purchasing agent and moved to UAW Region 1, Local 889 for 5 years. I earned a degree in Business Administration, Summa cum Laude, from Baker College while working both a full-time and part time job and taking classes at night. In 2011, I purchased a home in Mount Clemens and became interested in City issues. In 2013 I was elected to serve on the Mount Clemens City Commission and served for ten years. I won election as State Rep for HD61 in November 2022.
  • Education: Continue breakfast and lunch program. Kids can’t learn if they’re hungry. Fully fund school safety and mental health programs. Give teachers more say in lesson plans. Make sure everyone has access to college or trade programs.
  • Water: Upgrade infrastructure, replace old piping and residential lead lines. Protect our Great Lakes by banning PFAS/PFOS chemicals. Stop industrial pollution and plastic particles from entering storm drains.
  • Proud to have supported these 3 MSHDA housing programs: Housing Readiness Program, Missing Middle Program, MI Neighborhood Program. All 3 not only build or rehabilitate more housing, but help make housing more affordable.
I believe in in a woman's right to choose. I want to protect abortion rights and ensure women can access birth control and fertility treatments like IVF.

I believe in clean energy. I supported legislation that expands wind and solar options but expands public input and local involvement. I believe DTE and Consumers should be held accountable for outages and increase infrastructure upgrades.
My Dad. Straight forward, kind, hard working, loves a good joke, plays a mean hand of Euchre.
I believe and follow a method called the three C's when I'm making tough decisions. . You must first vote your conscious. Are you doing the right thing for the right reasons. The second C is Constituents. Is the decision you're making the best outcome for the residents of your district and for the whole state. The last C is for caucus. I always consider the first two before I vote the way my caucus wants.
Politicians need to listen. They need to reach across the aisle and work together in a bipartisan fashion for the betterment of their communities, the county and the state. Be upfront and honest. When you give your word, make sure you follow through.
I am outspoken and frequently blunt. I want you to know what I'm thinking. I don't want you to have to guess.
To do everything you can to make your constituents lives better. Local governments need to work together to fix infrastructure, repair roads or share services like mental health treatment and mass transportation.
I want people to say I was intelligent, humorous and kind.
I remember my teacher collapsing when John F Kennedy was killed.
I worked at a Big Boys as a car hop for a summer
Anything by Lee Child
Under Pressure by Queen
The House and Senate should listen to the Governor's priorities but vote out what they believe best servers the constituents.
Green Energy and Climate Change, Housing, Agriculture and Farming, Labor and Jobs,
Absolutely. I thought I was a budget hawk during my ten years on Mount Clemens City Commission. I studied the budget and asked questions. The budget is around $15 million annually. That is nothing compared to the $86 billion in the State budget.
Absolutely. There are people in my caucus I contact regularly to talk about our like positions and where we can do the most good. I have heard brilliant, really smart ideas from both Republicans and Democrats. I've also heard some attention seeking, self serving garbage. We must work together for the betterment of our communities. I think voters are getting tired of the fighting.
Former Senator Ken DeBeaussaert. He is a highly intelligent, kind, and just man. I have called him once or twice for advice.
Nope
I knocked a door and the gentleman told me that his employer had recently switched insurance carriers. He said he had Insurance #1 and his diabetes medicine was only $80 for a three month supply. After his employer switched to Insurance #2 his diabetes medicine suddenly cost $450 for a three month supply. Same dose, same brand, no changes. That is absolutely ridiculous. We must do better with drug prices. Thats why I am an advocate for a Drug Affordability Board.
I've already passed bills which have become public acts on the following:

Asbestos violations
Use Tax distribution to local governments
Environment protection against flushable wipes
Using a computer (ProPads) to program and steal cars

Revise grain dealers licenses
POAM, FOP, CARPENTERS AND MILLRIGHTS, AFSCME, LIUNA, SEIU, UAW, MPPFU, CFCW 876, OPERATING ENGINEERS 324, SIERRA CLUB, MLCV, AFL-CIO, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, EMILY'S LIST, MICHIGAN NURSES, TEAMSTERS, CLIMATE CLOSET, MEA, IUPAT, MOMS DEMAND ACTION, IBEW 58, MI CREDIT UNION LEAGUE, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER, SHEET METAL WORKERS, VOTERS NOT POLITICIANS
Labor Policy - I am currently Majority Vice Chair.

Appropriations
Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Small Business and Economic Development
I cosponsored and voted for the BRITE Act - Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics . These bills would increase reporting and disclosure requirements for registered lobbyists and would require state-level public officials to submit comprehensive financial records on an annual basis.
We need to go to the National Popular Vote system.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Candidate Connection

Denise Mentzer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mentzer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am a common-sense problem solver with over 25 years of experience working in local government, including nearly 10 years as City Commissioner for Mount Clemens. I grew up in Clinton Township, graduated from L’Anse Creuse High, and put myself through college while working a full time and part time job and earned a degree in Business Administration from Baker College.
  • Service to the community. I have been part of the community in Michigan’s 61st District for many years and have worked tirelessly to make it a better place. My goal as State Representative will be to understand the issues that are most important to my constituents and remain accountable and transparent throughout my service to them.
  • Respect and equal rights for all. I believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare; to remain safe from gun violence; and to live in a world where climate change is recognized and steps are taken to keep the environment clean.
  • Fiscal responsibility and transparency. As Senior Buyer in Macomb County and City Commissioner in Mount Clemens, I have extensive experience with municipal budget, taxes, enterprise funds, and special assessments. I also pushed for quarterly departmental reports to be made at City Commission meetings to improve transparency. If elected, I will bring that knowledge and openness to Lansing.
If elected, I will stand up for everyday families in Michigan and the values that are important to them. I am passionate about securing the right to abortion in Michigan and ensuring that healthcare, especially reproductive healthcare, is more accessible to all. I also support legislation to reduce gun violence, including red flag laws, eliminating the sale of assault rifles and high capacity magazines, and mandatory safety training. I am concerned about the environment and want to make sure that we acknowledge climate change, move toward sustainable energy solutions, and have clean, safe drinking water available to all.
I look up to my father, who retired as a Detective Lieutenant from the Macomb County Sheriff Department after 34 years. I admire his commitment to serving the community and his hard work ethic–and I love his sly smile when he slides out the right bower during a euchre game. He has a quiet way of letting you know what you did wrong and a loud way of letting you know what you did right. He also accepts whatever choices I make, even when we disagree.

Elected officials need experience (both professional and lived), education, and a focus on their community. I believe that elected officials should always do their homework on issues, vote with their conscience, and keep their word. They also must be able to communicate with the other side, even when they disagree.
I consider myself a servant to my community and always strive to listen to what my constituents have to say about important issues. I am hard working and determined to give everything I do my all. I’m not afraid to speak out, both in agreement and disagreement, but know the importance of compromise.
I was a carhop at a local Big Boys. I worked there for about a year and a half.
Anything by Lee Child. I’ve read everything he has written. Most of his books are about a man who left the Military as a Major and just roams the United States via bus and hitch hiking. He always runs into a dilemma and solves it. Honorably, and totally.
Infrastructure needs. Water quality and availability, sewer and storm system upgrades, electrical grid upgrades and expansion.
Yes, you can gain experience in budgets, enterprise funds, millages and taxes, and grants. You learn when to compromise and when to stand your ground.
Appropriations
Natural Resources
Fred Miller
Nope
As a founding member of Neighbors Helping Neighbors I participated in many home cleanups for seniors or handicapped residents. Each one had a story of their love for their home and their inability to care for it. The joy on some of their faces as we worked to help them always stays with me.
Yes, the legislature should have a say in declaring emergencies.
Yes, in my 25 years of experience in local government, I’ve learned the importance of being able to communicate even when you disagree with someone. It’s important to be able to work together to get things done.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Denise Mentzer campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Michigan House of Representatives District 61Won general$1,494,902 $0
2022Michigan House of Representatives District 61Won general$376,472 $0
Grand total$1,871,373 $0
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Michigan

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Michigan scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.


2024


2023


2022


2021








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External links

Candidate

Michigan House of Representatives District 61
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    Officeholder

    Michigan House of Representatives District 61
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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 14, 2022
    2. ↑ Denise Mentzer for State Representative, "Meet Denise," accessed May 3, 2023
    3. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Christine Morse (D)     		Michigan House of Representatives District 61
    2023-Present    		 Succeeded by
    -


    Current members of the Michigan House of Representatives
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