Michele Hoitenga is a Republican state senator representing Michigan's 36th District, which includes Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Crawford, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford counties, along with portions of Bay and Manistee counties. Born in Buckley, Michigan, and residing in Manton, she is a businesswoman who owns PhD Consulting, an energy consulting firm, with her husband Phillip; they have two sons, Greg and Tyler. A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and director of Wexford County Women on Target, she has received awards including the Community Enhancement Award, graduated Summa Cum Laude, MI News 26 Person of the Week, and Michigan Excellence in Public Service graduate. Notable positions include chair of the House Committee on Communications and Technology, vice chair of the House Committee on Regulatory Reform, and current service on Senate committees such as Housing and Human Services, Local Government, and Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Buckley High School; degree in human services from Baker College.
• Political Experience:
  • Michigan State Senate, District 36 ; elected in 2022 with 66% of the general vote.
  • Michigan House of Representatives, District 102 .
  • Mayor, City of Manton .
  • Treasurer and president, Manton Chamber of Commerce.
  • Vice chair, Wexford County Republican Party.
  • Former legislative assistant in Lansing.
  • Member, Board of Review, City of Manton; former member, Wexford County Planning Commission.
  • Active in chambers of commerce , Farm Bureau, and Michigan Oil and Gas Association.