LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags inside the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday to honor former State Senator Bruce Patterson.

Patterson, who recently passed away, began his public service at the local level, serving as a Wayne County Commissioner before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1999.

He was then elected to the Michigan State Senate in 2002, representing the 7th District, where he served two terms from 2003 to 2010.

While in the legislature, Patterson advocated for consumer protections, environmental stewardship and government transparency.

“Bruce was a good friend, tough foe, and great fun. Whether he was wearing the iconic red Stormy Kromer hat while speaking at my inauguration or debat

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