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Michigan House District 85

Duties: The Michigan House of Representatives shares responsibility with the Michigan Senate to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws.Qualifications: Representatives are elected in even-numbered years to 2-year terms. They must be at least 21 years of age and a registered voter in their district. There are 110 State House districts which are re-apportioned after each census.Term: 2 years

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  • Candidate picture

    Richard Abraham
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Bradley Slagh
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

EDUCATION: How do you evaluate Michigan’s current education system in terms of quality, funding, the teacher workforce and standardized testing? What changes, if any, would you propose or support?

ECONOMY: What policy initiatives do you support for residents to earn a living wage and address the overall question of affordability across Michigan?

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: How would you approach ensuring energy reliability, consumer affordability, and environmental protection in Michigan?

IMMIGRATION: What is your position on due process, First Amendment, and Fourth Amendment rights for all Michigan residents, including noncitizens, and what changes, if any, would you support?

Occupation / Current Position Manufacturing Machine Operator
Education Highschool and Trade school (Radio)
Qualifications and Experience 21 years in manufacturing
Educators are the foundation of our public education system, and they require meaningful support, competitive compensation, and safe, productive learning environments. Students thrive when their basic needs are met, making universal access to school meals a vital investment in their academic performance. Direct investment in our public schools allows us to recruit and retain dedicated teachers while ensuring every child receives the quality education they deserve.
Families across Michigan are feeling the squeeze. A single adult needs about $22 an hour to cover basics, while the minimum wage is $13.73. Bridging this gap takes practical steps: lowering everyday housing and utility costs, investing in manufacturing and skilled trades for good jobs, and spending taxpayer money wisely on roads and education. There is no magic solution, but by cutting red tape and working across party lines, we can make Michigan more affordable for everyone.
Michigan can have reliable energy, affordable bills, and a protected environment. We need a dependable grid by maintaining infrastructure, trimming trees, and holding utilities accountable. To lower costs, we should support home solar incentives and energy efficiency. Additionally, we should fund conservation Districts with $13 million to protect our water and farmland. By keeping lights on, lowering bills, and respecting nature, we can build a practical, affordable energy policy for Michigan.
Everyone in Michigan deserves due process and constitutional protections, regardless of citizenship. This includes free speech, protection from unreasonable searches, and a fair chance to defend oneself when accused. We do not need to weaken these safeguards; we can enforce laws while respecting rights. The government must follow the law so everyone gets a fair hearing. That is what America is about.
Occupation / Current Position State Representative 85th District
Education Hope College - BA
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