Sen. Hertel Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Secure the Future of Selfridge, Highlights $54 Million State Investment 

State and federal investments secured by Democrats and Republicans underscore the importance of bipartisan and bilateral cooperation 

 

HARRISON TWP., Mich. (April 29, 2025) — Today, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Dept. of Defense will be locating a future fighter mission composed of 20 F-15EXs at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Following the news, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) — who represents the base in the Michigan Senate and serves as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, and State Police — issued the statement below: 

 

“Today’s announcement is a major win for our region, made possible by leaders at every level working together — from my legislative colleagues and Governor Whitmer to our congressional delegation and President Trump.  

  

“Selfridge is too important to our community and the state of Michigan to let anything stand in the way of assuring its future. I’m proud to have done my part to secure state funding and assist the base with the infrastructure improvements needed to make this new mission possible. In the state Senate, I’ll continue partnering with anyone committed to strengthening Selfridge and supporting the men and women who serve there.” 

 

Sen. Hertel has been a staunch advocate of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the brave men and women who serve there. Last term, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Resolution 9 of 2023, introduced by Sen. Hertel, that urged the United States Air Force to award an advanced generation fighter mission to Selfridge. His advocacy has translated into significant investments: over the past two budget cycles, he has secured $28 million for critical infrastructure improvements at the base, with an additional $26 million included in the Senate’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget — bringing the total to a $54 million investment in Selfridge’s future.