Michigan legislative veteran Tim Sneller dies at age 68
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LANSING — Former state Rep. Tim Sneller (D-Burton), who ran for the state’s 68th congressional district, died Thursday, state lawmakers said Friday. He was 68.
Lawmakers from both parties praised Sneller, who served as a longtime legislative staffer before being first elected to the Legislature in 2016. Sneller served three two-year terms, representing the 50th District until 2022. He was eligible to run again this year because voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2022 that allows lawmakers to serve up to 12 years in one chamber.
Details about Sneller’s cause of death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
“His death is an incredible loss for our state,” said Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee of Flint Township.
Sneller was openly gay and was praised as an advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the news of the death of a man she considered a friend broke her heart.
“As one of the first openly gay Michiganders in the state legislature, he fought hard to expand civil rights and build a more welcoming Michigan for all,” Whitmer said in a press release.
The Michigan Legislature’s LGBTQ+ Caucus issued a statement saying Sneller provided mentorship and advice to LGBTQ+ public officials. “To all of us, he was an unwavering example of a true public servant,” the statement said.
Sneller was the only Democrat on the ballot in the Aug. 6 primary. Elections officials met Friday to discuss how the Democratic nominee for the November general election would be determined, a State Department spokeswoman said.
Republican Rep. David Martin of Davison, the only Republican on the ballot for the 68th District, praised Sneller in a statement. “Although we were on different political camps, I always respected his commitment to public service,” Martin said.
According to his campaign website, Sneller graduated from Bentley High School in Burton and worked at GM in Flint while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science at UM Flint.
He served for decades as an aide to several Genesee County legislators, including former state Rep. and Senator Bob Emerson and former Senator John Cherry.
Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate of Detroit said Sneller was known for his work ethic and other qualities.
“Tim was a fixture in Democratic politics for decades,” Tate said in a press release. “He was the salt of the earth and known for his humor and indelible spirit.”
Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or [email protected]. Follow him on X, @paulegan4.
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