LANSING, Mich. — Two days after the people of Michigan returned Republicans to the majority in the House of Representatives, Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell), an Army veteran, former law enforcement official, and third-term legislator was chosen by the Republican caucus to be its next Speaker.
“I am honored by my colleagues’ confidence, and I am eager to work with them in the majority to continue to build on the successes of the last Legislature,” Wentworth said. “I look forward to the continued partnership with the state Senate and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey. We will continue to extend a hand of collaboration to our governor with hope and confidence she will take it so we can work together and solve problems for the people of this state.”
“These are challenging times – politically, socially, and economically – and people are worried about their future,” Wentworth added. “It is our duty to demonstrate steady leadership and bold solutions, and that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
Speaker-elect Wentworth, 38, is the current speaker pro-tempore and serves as the chairman of the Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates. He led the historic reform of Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system in 2019, following many unsuccessful attempts over the past four decades.
“I have spent the past four years working to develop policy solutions at the grassroots level and to bring the voice of Michigan families into everything we do in Lansing,” Wentworth said. “I’m a father of three and consider my children and their future in every decision I make. In the 101st Legislature, we will make major decisions and create life-changing policies only after seeking the input of the people they impact.”
“Rep. Wentworth has been a responsible, responsive representative of the 97th District. No issue has been too complex or too small for his attention,” said Gladwin County Sheriff Mike Shea. “I know that Rep. Wentworth will use his strong, conservative values and his ability to work with people of different thought and philosophy to lead the House of Representatives with integrity and effectiveness. We are proud to have a member of our community serve as the next Speaker of the Michigan House.”
Other key members of the incoming leadership team who will be serving with Speaker-elect Wentworth include:
- Speaker Pro-Tempore Pam Hornberger
- Associate Speaker Pro-Tempore Sarah Lightner
- Associate Speaker Pro-Tempore Brad Paquette
- Majority Floor Leader Ben Frederick
- Assistant Majority Floor Leader Ann Bollin
- Assistant Majority Floor Leader Julie Calley
- Majority Whip Andrea Schroeder
- Deputy Whip Jack O’Malley
- Caucus Chair Matt Hall
- Caucus Vice Chair Andrew Beeler
The full House of Representatives will take nominations and formally vote for the next Speaker of the House when the 101st Legislature convenes for the first time in January. At that time, the position of speaker and the other leadership positions will become official.
Rep. Jason Wentworth is a former military police officer in the United States Army. When he was first elected in 2016, Rep. Wentworth was serving as a Regional Coordinator for the state Veterans Affairs agency. He resides in Farwell with his wife and three daughters. A hi-res headshot of the incoming speaker is available for download here
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