Occupation / Current Position
Candidate
Education
BS - Communications
Qualifications and Experience
District Director, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten 2024-2025 Deputy District Director, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten 2023-2024 Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, Congressman Sean Patrick Malone
Michigan’s K-12 education is ranked in the bottom quarter of the United States, as a result of chronic underfunding. This underfunding has not only impacted the per-pupil funding throughout the years, only recently been increased to the highest levels, but it also impacts the ability of school districts to invest in the teacher workforce, making it more difficult to recruit and retain teachers. Funding for the School Aid Fund must be a priority and protected.
The overall issue of affordability is not going to be solved by just lowering costs. Michigan needs to develop and grow a robust economy that fosters workforce development and career growth. A person working 40 hours a week should be earning a paycheck that meets the most basic needs. Lowering costs will only help so much before it becomes detrimental. We need to raise people to meet the need.
I would support policy initiatives to attract new industries and job generation. These policies would best impact Michiganders when paired with supportive programs that provide education, training, and apprenticeships that not only meet the need.
As energy companies seek rate increases, I would push for greater transparency so Michiganders know how those funds are being used. I support investments in modern infrastructure, grid resilience, energy efficiency, and emerging technologies that improve reliability and help control costs. Utilities should meet clear performance standards before passing additional costs to consumers. By balancing affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility, we can keep Michigan competitive while protecting our natural resources.
I raised my hand to support and defend the Constitution when I joined the U.S. Army, and I continue to live by that statement today. The Constitution does not just apply to U.S. citizens but to all those who are standing on American soil. Due process should be applied in every case of alleged unlawful activity. Our society becomes stronger when the rule of law is applied and observed by those at every level of government.
Occupation / Current Position
Sr. HRIS Software Analyst
Education
B.B.A., Human Resources Management, Finance (Grand Valley State University, Frederik Meijer Honors College). Distinguished Honors Graduate and Valedictorian, JFK School of Special Warfare (U.S. Army)
Qualifications and Experience
West Side resident for over a decade. Elected in 2022, was the youngest on the GR City Commission. Chaired: Comm. Dev. and Fiscal Committees; member of Public Safety; President for my last full year.
Michigan's educational outcomes are falling significantly behind. 60.4% of our 3rd grade students are not proficient readers, now ranking 44th in the nation. Literacy is a clear determinant of future academic success and career trajectory, so it's a trend we must address with productive, bipartisan solutions. 74.9% of our high school graduates are considered unready for college. With graduation rates at historic highs, we're sending our students out into a big world without sufficient skills and resources.
We need to ensure spending is hyper-focused on paying our teachers competitively and supplying our students with specialized resources.
Reducing our state's overall tax burden on all residents and businesses is a simple way to keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders. Many other nearby states have lower tax burdens but better outcomes across nearly all metrics. Our state's budget has grown by nearly 50% in just the last handful of years, but many feel that the outcomes haven't kept pace. Notably, our road infrastructure still ranks #44 in the nation.
Refocusing our tax dollars on the basic responsibilities of state government will lay the foundation for small business growth, well-paying jobs, and an education that meaningfully prepares our students.
Michigan's energy grid reliability now ranks in the bottom tier, and we experience among the longest outage durations in the country. Meanwhile, we pay among the highest electricity rates in the country, especially compared to our Midwestern peer states.
It's important for Michigan to invest in hardening and undergrounding our energy infrastructure, as other states are doing at higher rates. We must also pursue a robust energy portfolio that reduces total reliance on any single source while ensuring that our precious farmland, parks, and outdoor spaces remain preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution, which includes the First and Fourth amendments, remains the cornerstone of democracy. These core amendments provide resolute assurance of basic rights and individual liberties for all people.
In a time of division and polarization, it is critically important to ensure these rights are realized and preserved, even for those with whom we may disagree. I will not undermine these priceless protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and we must always guarantee our rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceful assembly, freedom of the press, and the right to petition our government.
