Kerry Bentivolio
Kerry Lynn Bentivolio (born October 6, 1951) is an American politician and educator who is the former United States Representative for Michigan's 11th congressional district, in office from 2013 to 2015. Bentivolio, a Republican, defeated Democratic nominee Syed Taj, a physician, in the November 6, 2012 election. Bentivolio was defeated for the Republican nomination in his bid for a second term by attorney David Trott. He launched a write-in campaign for the November 2014 general election but lost again to Trott. After Trott announced he was not seeking reelection in 2018, Bentivolio again sought election in the eleventh district, but finished last in the primary. In October 2019, Bentivolio announced that he would again run for his former congressional seat against Democrat Haley Stevens in the 2020 election. Bentivolio would finish third in the Republican primary.
Kerry Bentivolio | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 11th district | |
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | David Curson |
| Succeeded by | Dave Trott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 6, 1951 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (before 2016, 2018–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Libertarian (2016) Independent (2016–2018) |
| Spouse | Karen Bentivolio |
| Education | Michigan State University St. Mary’s College (BA) Marygrove College (MEd) |
| Website | House website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1970–2008 |
| Rank | Sergeant First Class |
| Unit | Michigan Army National Guard |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Awards | Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal (2) Army Achievement Medal (4) Air Force Achievement Medal Army Good Conduct National Defense Service Medal (3) Vietnam Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars) Overseas Service Ribbon (3) Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Mobilization and 20 years devices) Gallantry Cross (with Palm) Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Bentivolio worked as a designer in the automotive industry for twenty years, followed by teaching for fifteen years in schools and institutions. He is an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War.