Well-Known Michigan GOP Leader Dies After Cancer Battle

Longtime Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has died.

A family spokesperson says Patterson died Saturday at his home in suburban Detroit. It comes months after announcing he had pancreatic cancer.

The 80-year old was halfway through a 7th term, but said in March he would not seek re-election, which would have been in 2020.

Patterson had been Oakland County’s Chief since 1993 and was extremely active in state politics.

In a statement, the Michigan GOP says Patterson “devoted his life to public service and the fruits of his leadership touched countless lives.”