Two local candidates for state representative in Tuesday’s primary election have not returned excessive campaign funds from former President Donald Trump’s Save America PAC, according to campaign finance reports.
Bridge Michigan included 43rd District candidate Rachelle Smit of Martin and 79th District candidate Angela Rigas on the list of nine for having not returned excess of permitted contributions.
Save America by law can only give state senate candidates $2,100 each to state senate hopefuls and $1,050 apiece to state rep. candidates. Bridge Michigan reported that The PAC gave $5,000 each to nine candidates’ campaigns in December, but state law insists that $33,450 of that $45,000 must be regarded as excessive funds and be returned.
The Secretary of State’s office said that in light of the campaign finance reports filed earlier this week, the department will reach out to campaigns that received excessive contributions.
Rigas, a Kent County resident is a Trump-endorsed candidate in the 79th District, which includes Leighton Township. Smit, who is Martin Township Clerk, is one of four candidates in the 43rd District, which takes in all of the rest of the Townbroadcast coverage area.
Also on the list is Jon Rocha, a Marine veteran running as a write-in candidate for state House, who disrupted a Wayland Board of Education meeting a year ago.
The primary election is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.
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