Greg Markkanen

Gregory John Markkanen was born on March 7, 1958, and is a Republican politician serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. He represents the 110th District, which encompasses Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties, along with portions of Dickinson and Marquette counties, including the cities of Iron Mountain and Kingsford and the city of Hancock.

Markkanen is married to Jane and has two children, Kalle and Maija. He resides in Hancock, Michigan.

Education

Markkanen holds multiple degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Northern Michigan University
- Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and Biology from Michigan Technological University
- Graduate work in Learning Disabilities from Northern Michigan University

Political Experience

Electoral History

Markkanen first ran for the 110th District state representative seat in 2016 but was defeated by Democratic incumbent Scott Dianda. Following Dianda's retirement, he successfully ran in 2018, narrowly defeating Democratic candidate Ken Summers. He was reelected in 2020, 2022, and 2024, and has been serving in the Michigan House of Representatives since 2019.

Professional Background

Prior to his legislative career, Markkanen worked as a special education teacher and social studies teacher. He also taught as an adjunct instructor at Gogebic Community College. He served on the Hancock City Council as the Ward II representative.

Markkanen has 26 years of combined military service, including service as a medical Corpsman with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, the 452nd Combat Support Hospital , and the Michigan Army National Guard's 107th Engineer Battalion.

Committee Assignments and Notable Positions

Markkanen serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also holds the position of vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections and Judiciary. Additionally, he is a member of the School Aid and Department of Education and Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Appropriations Subcommittees.