Bay County, Michigan, prepares for new leadership as 2025 begins

Bay County, Michigan, will see significant political changes starting January 1, 2025. The Bay City Commission will welcome four new members, while Chris Girard will become the new mayor, succeeding Jesse Dockett, who served as interim mayor after Kathleen Newsham's resignation. The Bay County Board of Commissioners will also have new faces. Incumbent Tim Banaszak will be joined by Republicans Larry Beson, Christopher T. Rupp, and Jerome Crete, who won contested elections. The board will maintain a Republican majority, with Jesse Dockett as the only Democrat. Additionally, Michael P. Kanuszewski has been elected as the new Bay County Prosecuting Attorney, defeating incumbent Nancy E. Borushko. Kanuszewski aims to address the office's backlog and improve communication with law enforcement.