About Kerry Bentivolio

Born and raised in Oakland County, the eldest of five sons of a Michigan factory worker, Kerry Bentivolio is committed to serving his community.  He and Karen, his wife of thirty-three years and a registered Nurse, raised their two children in Milford, Michigan.  He has been a Milford resident since 1983.  

Kerry brings vast experience, knowledge, and leadership to his candidacy for the 15th District Michigan Senate race.  He understands it is a critical time for his neighbors, as many families in Michigan are facing tough economic times.  As a State Senator, his first priority is to create a business climate conducive to promoting and sustaining jobs.  Known for his creative problem solving skills in the military, civilian life, and as a professional teacher, he brings a unique perspective to the tough decisions needed to return Michigan to prosperity.

Kerry admits candidly that he is not a professional politician.  “Unlike many people, I know the difference between Santa Claus and the Government. There is no such thing as a free lunch - what part of that equation do we not understand? I do not think our ‘professional politicians’ did a good job, " he said. "Close to one-million jobs left the State in the last ten years.  Our school districts are on the verge of bankruptcy, thousands of families are losing homes, and our life’s savings are diminishing, real estate has plummeted, the nation is calling it the Great Recession, here in Michigan it is a Depression, plain and simple, and Lansing’s answer is more taxes?  Lansing is a major part of the problem here in Michigan.  Its time for a new look, new faces, creative solutions from people who are not ‘business as usual’ and part of the ‘good ole boy’ political network.  It is time for a major change.”  

Kerry has always served his community in the trenches, getting the job done, getting missions accomplished, always in the thick of it, where it counts.  From Vietnam to Iraq, from automotive worker, to homebuilder, and yes, having fun “playing” Santa Claus to help out local merchants on Main Street, to reinventing himself as a highly qualified teacher, there is always another battle to fight on the horizon.  Occasionally wounded by life’s challenges, but nonetheless a battle hardened, tough decision maker, Kerry is ready, willing, and able to represent western Oakland County’s 15th District in the Michigan Senate to fight the battles here now and those yet to come.    

Honorably served in Michigan Army National Guard in Vietnam and also in Iraq

Community service includes "Old Fashion Santa"

Education details