Steve Marino (politician)

Steven F. Marino^[1] (born March 24, 1989, in Detroit, Michigan) is a former Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He served the constitutionally allowed maximum of three terms from 2017 to 2023 for the 24th District.

Marino was born on March 24, 1989, in Detroit, Michigan. He spent much of his early life in nearby Harrison Township.^[2]

Marino received his early education from L’Anse Creuse High School, where he was honored as the Wendy's High School Heisman recipient.^[3] Later, he attended the Michigan State University, where he played lacrosse and graduated with degrees in economics, public policy and public administration, and political theory and constitutional democracy.^[4]

While student body president and chairman of the Associated Students of Michigan State University, Marino successfully advocated for the passage of Medical Amnesty legislation, which protected minors from legal consequences if they sought medical help during alcohol-related emergencies, through the Michigan Legislature in 2012.^[5][6][7][8]

He is currently pursuing a master's degree in public policy and administration at Northwestern University.^[3]

Marino decided to challenge long-time incumbent Macomb County Commissioner Michaek A. Boyle for the 10th District of the 13-member Macomb County Board of Commissioners.^[9]

Marino ran unopposed in the Republican primary, as did incumbent Michael A. Boyle in the Democratic primary. In the November 4 election, Marino received 10,669 votes (50.9%), while his opponent, Boyle received 10,275 votes (49.1%).^[10]

Anthony G. Forlini, the representative of District 24 did not seek-reelection because of term limit restrictions. Steve Marino, 27 at the time, secured more than 75% (4,991) of the 6,274 votes cast in the August 2 Republican primary election for the position, securing his nomination.^[11] His opponent, Dana Camphous-Peterson, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.^[12] In the November 8 election, Marino received 23,968 votes (55.07%) while Camphous-Peterson received 19,553 votes (44.93%).^[13]

In 2016, Marino faced scrutiny when Michigan Democrats released recordings of him sharing exaggerated stories, including one that raised eyebrows, which he later described as attempts to highlight the peculiarities of Lansing's political scene.^[14][15][16] Further controversy arose from his comments on outsourcing of U.S. jobs, interpreted by some as insensitive.^[17][18] Marino clarified that his aim was to discuss the challenges of job outsourcing, not to endorse the practices described.^[19][20] Democrats had hoped that these recordings would play a major role in his 2016 election bid. Despite the negative campaign, Marino won the election.^[21][20]

Marino ran unopposed in the Republican primary, as did Laura Winn in the Democratic primary.^[12] In the November 6 election, Marino received 21,391votes (55.54%), while his opponent, Winn received 17,125 votes (44.46%).^[23]

Steve Marino, 31 at the time, secured more than 83% (9,861) of the 11,781 votes cast in the August 4 Republican primary election for the position, securing his nomination.^[25] In the November 8 election, Marino received 29,394 votes (57.54%) while Woodman received 21,692 votes (42.46%).^[26]

In 2021, Marino's committee roles, including his chairmanship on the Commerce and Tourism Committee and membership on the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee, were revoked by House Speaker Jason Wentworth. The action was taken in the context of Michigan State Police investigating claims of domestic abuse involving Marino and Democratic Representative Mari Manoogian.^[27][28] The charges were declined during a prosecutorial review, and Marino was promptly reappointed after exoneration in civil court.^[29][30][31]