Rochester Democrat Alex Hawkins will face three-term Republican incumbent Mark Tisdel for the 55th District state House seat on Nov. 3, according to an unofficial candidate list published by the Oakland County Elections Division on Monday, Aug. 17.

The two-person race, with no third-party or independent candidates on the ballot, gives Greater Rochester voters a clear choice in a district that covers Rochester, Rochester Hills and surrounding areas.

Tisdel, of Rochester Hills, is seeking a fourth term in Lansing. Hawkins, who lives on Mill Street in Rochester, is a first-time candidate who served as a bomb disposal specialist in the U.S. Army, currently holds a commission in the Michigan National Guard and works as a reserve Oakland County Sheriff's deputy.

Hawkins told The Oakland Post in a March interview that his military and law enforcement background, combined with his Oakland County roots, give him "the best possible opportunity to flip this seat."

His campaign has focused on public school funding and lowering costs for families, according to Michigan Advance. He originally planned to run for the U.S. House before switching to the state House race, according to a Detroit Regional Chamber report from April.

The race drew national attention Aug. 9 when California Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned with Hawkins at a canvass launch event at UAW Local 5960 in Lake Orion, drawing more than 150 supporters.

The Oakland County list also confirms one Republican candidate for Oakland Township Clerk, with no Democratic challenger. That race appears uncontested.

Early voting

Early voting for Rochester residents runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 1 at Rochester City Hall Council Chambers, 400 Sixth Street. Rochester Hills and Oakland Township voters can cast early ballots at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road.