WHY I'M RUNNING

America and Michigan are at a crossroads with political parties and the promises they make to the people they represent. Hard-working U.P. Families that believe in accountability, discipline, integrity, and doing right by others can’t get ahead. Groceries, housing, electric bills, healthcare, education, car insurance, property taxes, and saving money for retirement have become impossible tasks. And worst of all, the youngest generation has lost hope of ever owning their own home and finding a good paying job that they can raise a family on. It begs the question: Who is actually working for the people to solve these critical issues?

Like many of you, I’m tired of the political games and fighting between both parties that prevent our toughest issues from being solved. In every other facet of life, people put our differences aside and work together to solve problems and strengthen our communities. It’s time we do that in politics as well.  

 

That’s why I’ve decided to run as an Independent for the 38th District Senate seat. We need someone who is 100% beholden to the people they represent in the U.P. – not a political party. Someone who brings common sense to the table when making decisions and votes on principle – not how a party wants them to vote.  

 

When I ran for State Representative in the 109th District in 2017, my father had a stern message for me. He told me that if I wanted to do the job, that I just took a step down from the people who represent the highest level of democracy, whether they voted for me or not. That if elected, I just agreed to do the work that the majority of people I represent want, and that I wasn’t there on behalf of my own interests, party interests, or special interests. 

 

I never forgot my father’s message to always put the people you serve first. Throughout my three terms in state office, my voting record reflects that sentiment. My success in passing 9 public acts while serving in the minority proves I can work with both parties to deliver results for my constituents. Having served over 10 years in local office, I have a solid foundation and understand the challenges our communities face in the U.P.  Whether it’s our public schools, local government, or protecting our quality of life, my commitment has been and will continue to be to keep control local.

 

The U.P. needs an independent voice in Lansing that can’t be bought and can’t be told by downstate interests on what’s best for the people that live, work, and raise a family here. I’m ready to do the work, and I hope you’ll join me on my campaign to bring civility, common sense, and unity back to state politics.