STEVENSVILLE, Mich (Michigan News Source) – In a recent interview with Republican senatorial candidate Dr. Sherry O’Donnell, we discussed her qualifications and vision for Michigan. O’Donnell, who is also a physician, pastor, author, mission leader, speaker and business owner, believes that her unique background sets her apart from the other candidates in her party as well as Democratic frontrunner Elissa Slotkin.

In the Republican primary, O’Donnell is running against former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake), the current frontrunner, as well as former Rep. Justin Amash (I-Cascade Twp) and businessman Sandy Pensler. The winner will face the victor in the Democratic primary: Rep. Elissa Slotkin or actor and businessman Hill Harper.

A new approach to politics.

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When asked why she considers herself the best candidate to challenge Slotkin, O’Donnell emphasized her diverse experiences and fresh perspective. Outlining several reasons for being the best candidate, she said, “When you pit a male (Mike Rogers) against a female in the general (election) the male starts out five points down, but really more because my credentials.”

She added, “I am a physician who is world-traveled, 35 different countries, disaster relief, stood up during Covid. I have been given the Patriot Award by Michigan Vaccine Choice. But as a business owner, as a physician, as someone that is of the public sector, of someone that is not a recycled politician, people are tired of the ‘same old, same old.” They’re ready for a fresh start. They’re ready for something new. I represent all of that.”

She argued that her extensive background in medicine and business, combined with her lack of ever having an elected political office, positions her as a candidate ready to bring real change.

Addressing key issues.

When asked what her priorities would be as Michigan’s senator, O’Donnell focused on several key issues including border security, healthcare, and the economy.

“I’ve been endorsed by Tom Homan, the former director of ICE under Trump, because of my plan to close the border,” she explained and went on to say that her firsthand experience in various fields, including being a business woman and physician, have also allowed her to speak with authority on issues like the transgender healthcare debate and inflation.

“I am the only candidate with detailed plans to address these issues on my website, and I will activate those plans when I’m in DC,” Dr. Sherry affirmed. She also highlighted her commitment to protecting Michigan’s farmland and supporting farmers, criticizing Slotkin for signing an NDA with China.

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When asked about all of the EV megasites cropping up in the state, partially funded by taxpayer dollars, O’Donnell said that she didn’t agree with it and that it will disenfranchise the UAW and the autoworkers in Michigan. She added that “Michigan cannot sustain EVs. Nobody I think can sustain EVs and I think people are tired of the mandates.”

COVID-19 response.

O’Donnell’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic also showcases her dedication and problem-solving skills. She recalled being asked to serve in New York City at the peak of the pandemic. “My initial response was, I don’t know anything about COVID, but they said nobody else does either. So I went,” she recounted.

She worked tirelessly, flying back and forth between Michigan and New York City every weekend for 93 days straight, both working as a physician at her practice at home in Michigan and volunteering out east. “I made a supply chain of myself,” she said, describing how she brought essential supplies back to New York City that they couldn’t attain. Her ingenuity shone through when she described how she repurposed Armor All wipes into makeshift Clorox wipes to make sure she could have needed supplies.

When asked if she ever contracted Covid herself, she said that she did not – but being so close to the epicenter of the pandemic, she wouldn’t have been surprised if she had. She recounted a story about an infected Mexican man at a medical center who wanted to leave against medical advice. He only spoke Spanish (which O’Donnell can speak) and she was asked to talk with him. He told her that he couldn’t see his family, couldn’t work, and said “now this” pointing to a bedside commode out in the open. He fell to his knees started sobbing.

O’Donnell said she went to her knees as well, taking off her mask and goggles, and holding the man in her arms. As she comforted the man, a solution came to her. Using the same creativity as she did making the wipes, she came up with the idea of using lockers that were in the building, opening the doors and putting a sheet over the doors so that the man could have a little bit of privacy.

She asked if that would make things better for him and if he would he stay at the center. He answered, “for you.” She explained that, in that moment, it was about “meeting the needs” of the man, emotionally and physically. She said, “That man needed a touch of humanity, the touch of somebody that cared.”

After hugging the man, who she remembered was in a hospital infected with patients with Covid, she realized that she had broken all the rules the center had given her for her own protection. However, she added that the man didn’t need her to stay still behind him. He needed her to do something.

Supporting President Trump.

Getting back to politics, O’Donnell said that despite former President Trump endorsing her opponent, Mike Rogers, she remains supportive of Trump. “I do support President Trump and his policies. I do not support all of his endorsements,” she clarified. She expressed concern about Trump’s advisors and noted that his endorsements have not always been successful in Michigan.

About the attempted assassination of Trump, O’Donnell said in a statement, “[Saturday’s] assassination attempt on President Trump should have never happened. People should be able to rally for candidates without fear of losing their lives. I am heartbroken for our nation and the family who lost a loved one. Unfortunately, it is no surprise when Democrats have called President Trump an existential threat to our democracy. The rhetoric needs to be toned down. We can agree to disagree on policy,”

Advocacy and vision.

O’Donnell’s commitment to her patients and community at large is evident. “I’ve advocated for my patients for 24 years, and I plan on bringing that same level of advocacy to DC,” she declared. Her campaign, she believes, represents a much-needed change in both Michigan and national politics.

O’Donnell told Michigan News Source that her combined medical expertise, business acumen, and a fresh perspective, are qualities she believes Michigan voters desire. As the election nears, she remains confident in her capacity to drive positive change and address the key issues for Michiganders.