1. What community or professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I served in the Army Special Forces for 8-years before running for office and my immediate job before filing my candidacy in 2022 was as a communications executive for a large private sector company. I thrive in the collaborative environments of public service, especially when working with those with disparate views.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

Michigan is my home. After living out of state, my wife, Allison, and I returned to my home county to raise our children. I have fond memories of growing up in the quaint 17th Senate District, and as a father, it’s a privilege to share this community with my kids. However, my view is that the government in our state is not currently setting the conditions for our state to be successful in the future, nor is it fulfilling its duty to protect the rights of Michiganders, both of which motivated me to run for office.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

Reducing taxes and other state imposed burdens on the people of Michigan, restoring a rights based, constitutionally bound form of limited government in our state, and enacting other specific policy area reforms such as healthcare related laws that empower patients, drive down costs, and improve medical outcomes.

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I have proposed meaningful property tax reforms on income tax, sales tax, and property tax. I will continue to build coalitions of support for these and other reforms that will reduce the financial burden on Michiganders. The same is true for any of my priorities, they all require identifying the problem, proposing policy solutions, and building coalitions of support to advance those policies.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

Streamlined taxes and red-tape reduction efforts support the business community and job growth. Unneeded regulation is the greatest threat to entrepreneurship yet there are constant efforts to enhance restrictions on business. I believe in a limited government that allows businesses to flourish and I will support policies that help us attract and retain job providers.

6. What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

Southwest Michigan is rich in natural resources, diverse in business opportunities, and has proven itself as a place where families want to settle. Supporting economic growth by reducing taxes and regulation will make it easier for industry to look at this region of the state and decide this is a location for investment. Fostering that economic health must be a priority to sustain growth.

7. What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

Michigan is an expensive state, both for consumers and businesses. Property taxes are pricing homeowners out of their homes and businesses look at the cost of business when deciding where to expand. The tax burden must be lowered or Michigan will continue to lose opportunities to more competitive states with more forgiving tax structures. One of our greatest challenges, especially as a border region, is that our neighbors have adopted more attractive policies and they are reaping the economic rewards.

8. How would your election impact the region’s workforce and the companies that call Southwest Michigan home?

A limited government creates the best conditions for growth which enhances job opportunities. I will not support policies that increase the cost of business and as the cost of living has increased, wages have stagnated. Less government spending, a restricted regulatory environment, are what is best for Southwest Michigan workers and job providers, and I will support the industries that make our region prosper.

9. How can elected officials create an environment where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

State government is a collaborative environment and in a divided government, that collaboration is paramount. Despite my deep policy disagreements with many of my colleagues, especially from the opposing party, I have proven to be someone who looks for bipartisan areas of agreement to advance policies that help all Michiganders.

10. What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Michigan has a robust anti-discrimination law to ensure workers aren’t mistreated because of faith or gender. The marketplace works best when qualified workers fill the roles that fit them, and regardless of what a worker brings in terms of diversity, the best worker for the job should own it. Elected officials must lead a conversation that puts ability over identity.

11. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I strive to be accessible and available to those I represent in government. It is elected officials’ responsibility to help their constituents navigate government to provide resolution to the issues they face. I will hold regular meetings throughout the district and always make myself available for discussion when I am attending events in the community. People need to know they can contact their elected officials for help and to share their thoughts.

12. What are your long-term political or career goals?

My goal is to serve the people of Senate District 17.

What is your campaign song?

American Soldier by Toby Keith

What is your favorite movie?

V for Vendetta

What is your favorite book?

Plato’s Apology and Crito, read together

What is your favorite food?

Ice Cream

1. What community or professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I’m in my third term as a State Representative and was honored to serve as House Health Policy Chair last term. As a health care provider for over 25 years, I’ve used my experience to craft legislation that prioritizes our community’s health. I also served 8 years on Kalamazoo County’s Board of Commissioners. I also serve as a Legislative Biosciences Caucus Co-chair.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

I am running for the State Senate to continue my work in Lansing: fighting for improved access to healthcare, protecting our environment, and strengthening our infrastructure. As a practicing physical therapist, my patients inspire me to continue to advocate for better policies to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

My top priorities are improved access to affordable healthcare (including reproductive health and mental health), environmental protection, and strengthening our infrastructure. We also need to keep working to make education and housing more accessible and affordable for everyone in Michigan.

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

In my time in the House I have sponsored 13 bills that have become law, including several that increased access to health care and protected our environment, many of which enjoyed bipartisan support. I will continue to foster and maintain relationships with ALL stakeholders in Lansing to achieve commonsense reforms that help Michiganders.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

I’ll continue to support policies that make Michigan a welcoming, competitive state for businesses. I’ll continue to fight for increased education funding for K-12 public schools, community colleges and universities. I’m also interested in creative place-making that fosters cool places to work, live, and play with plenty of parks and green spaces.

6. What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

Our best economic opportunities are tied to what we already have here: amazing natural resources and a business infrastructure primed to incubate more firms in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. From the state level I will continue to work to support the talent pipeline these businesses need by supporting higher education in general and institutions like the WMed Innovation Center specifically.

7. What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

While we have excellent employment opportunities, those workers will need housing, transportation, and childcare. While I was on the Board of Commissioners, Kalamazoo County became the first county in Michigan to create a housing millage. While in the legislature I’m proud to have supported millions in funding for affordable housing. This year I sponsored legislation to make the successful Tri-Share program permanent, splitting the burden of child care between the state, employers, and employees.

8. How would your election impact the region’s workforce and the companies that call Southwest Michigan home?

As the only practicing health care provider in the legislature, I am uniquely positioned to represent the needs of our community. I have a proven record of working collaboratively to support businesses and foster growth in our region. This year I introduced HB 5524, which would grant up to $15,000 to businesses severely impacted by road construction.

9. How can elected officials create an environment where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

Building relationships that foster respect and good communication is key – and I have a proven track record of success working across the aisle. We don’t all have to agree on everything, but we need to be able to work together to advance priorities that improve our region.

10. What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Many inequities exist, including access to affordable healthcare, safe drinking water, or housing. I’ve championed education and policies aimed at preventing lead poisoning and helped pass a Maternal & Infant Health Equity package to reduce disparities. Decades of redlining has underscored the importance of utilizing an equity lens when assessing government policies. One of the biggest challenges is preventing individuals from losing Medicaid coverage as work requirements are implemented.

11. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

Each year I’ve been in the legislature, my team and I have knocked on thousands of doors – not as part of any political campaign, but to listen to residents. I hold monthly coffee hours in my district. My office sends out regular monthly e-news with legislative updates. I attend many community events including neighborhood association meetings. Our 41st District Service Office, located in Kalamazoo, serves residents locally.

12. What are your long-term political or career goals?

I hope to help as many people as I can by advancing equitable policies that improve the lives of Michiganders.

What is your campaign song?

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

What is your favorite movie?

tie between Love Actually and E.T.

What is your favorite book?

The Art of War, Sun Tzu

What is your favorite food?

Breakfast tacos!

1. What community or professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I played Minor league hockey as a goalie for 12 years. I have had a rough life been through hell which gives me a better understanding of what everyone is facing.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

I remember back after 9/11 how we as a country was close and we loved our country. Now I see how divided we are and it breaks my heart. So I am going back to the old ways where politicians worked for the people not themselves or special interests

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

Raising test scores in schools
Lower taxes and bring in good paying Jobs
Lowering the extremely high energy costs

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

Raising scores I’m going to work with the school board and parents to raise scores and focus on the kids learning. Lowering taxes is what most of us Republicans plan on doing and I will work with anyone who is serious about doing so. Lowering the high energy costs stop Data centers, by putting it on the ballot for people to vote for or against, restore line 5 pipelines.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

I want to give a tax break to any company who is willing to pay good wages and training for people, that inturn will boost the economy and lower crime at the same time because people will be working and not just getting in trouble

6. What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

If I can give a tax break to companies they will want to build here. I’m not talking Amazon or Walmart. More manufacturing jobs that pay good, more Job training by the company or government because if anyone votes not to fund Job training then they can deal with the voters

7. What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

Bad education and not enough jobs. Raising test scores and more programs for children to succeed in school and with jobs better Jobs higher quality jobs and more Job training

8. How would your election impact the region’s workforce and the companies that call Southwest Michigan home?

If I win I will make an impact immediately. I am ready to go right now and get to work what you can expect it I don’t is more tax increases Data centers without restrictions and more dependent on government and not making your life better. That’s what government is supposed to be for making your lives better

9. How can elected officials create an environment where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

1 we already have done it that’s term limits because then you have to start working right away or you lose your opportunities to make a difference. 2. I plan on telling everyone let’s put Washington DC on notice and pass the most quality bills that helps people that if you disagree or have a problem with someone work it out as adults not run to the press for some twisted political points.

10. What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Biggest opportunity is starting with schools. Let’s take the politics out of the classroom and make the next best generations. More opportunities for Job training, or advanced education. For real degrees that will have a immediately return by getting hired. More help with Job placement in the field you actually want. Not a wasted degree

11. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I have promised that people can reach me on social media, my phone number, or email and get a response within 24 hours, not by staff but me personally. It’s not hard to do research or type a bill and talk to people. I do everyday now my Facebook and phone number I talk to people every single day

12. What are your long-term political or career goals?

First I’m term limiting myself. I will do the 2 terms in Lansing Senate and I would like to do 2 or 3 terms in the US Senate and retire and pass the seat to the next elected official. All I want is to make a difference and nobody will work as hard as I will

What is your campaign song?

Determined by mudvayne

What is your favorite movie?

Anything horror but the all time favorite is the saw series

What is your favorite book?

Steven King’s the shinning

What is your favorite food?

Pizza and steak

1. What community or professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I grew up in a fourth-generation farming family, where you learn early that hard work and common sense solve problems. For the past eight years, I’ve served my neighbors as their state representative. I’m currently Chair of the House Energy Committee, where I’ve moved legislation to save the U.P.’s natural gas generators, restore local control over large wind, solar, and battery projects, and led a bipartisan nuclear energy package. I’ve spent my time in Lansing fighting to lower costs and protect family farms, and I’m ready to keep delivering.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

Michigan families are doing the math every week, and every week it comes out a little worse. Groceries cost more. The electric bill costs more. So do gas, the prescriptions, and daycare. They aren’t asking for a handout. They’re picking up the extra shift, shopping the sales, and putting off buying a new car another year. They’re doing everything right and still falling behind.

Fixing that has been my focus every day in Lansing.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

My top priorities are lowering the cost of living, protecting family farms, and building an energy policy families can count on. As Chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, I judge every plan by two questions: will it keep the lights on, and will it be affordable? This term, I passed Project Lighthouse through the House to do exactly that, along with bipartisan legislation making Michigan a leader in the Great American Nuclear Renaissance.

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

As Chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, I set the agenda on the issues driving costs for Michigan employers. With a divided Legislature, nothing becomes law without bipartisan support, so I build coalitions like the one behind our nuclear energy package and keep working with Senate colleagues to move House-passed bills. I also hold state agencies accountable and stay focused on listening to the job providers, farmers, and families I represent.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

Southwest Michigan has everything employers want: hardworking people, world-class agriculture, and a nuclear legacy at Palisades that can power our future. My vision is a region where businesses choose to grow because energy is reliable and affordable, costs are low, and government is a partner instead of an obstacle. That means keeping power prices competitive, supporting the farms and manufacturers that anchor our economy, and making sure the next generation can build a career right here at home.

6. What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

We’re about to make history. Restarting Palisades and bringing advanced small modular reactors online would make Southwest Michigan the center of America’s nuclear comeback, with good-paying jobs and reliable power that attracts major employers. But those jobs only help us if our people are ready to fill them. I’ll keep advancing the bipartisan nuclear legislation I’ve championed and work with our community colleges, trade programs, and employers to train a homegrown workforce for these careers.

7. What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

Energy is the backbone of our economy. Michigan has some of the highest electricity rates in the Midwest, which puts us at a disadvantage when job creators are deciding where to grow. On top of that, state departments have spent the last eight years acting more like adversaries to businesses than partners. I’ll keep fighting to lower energy costs and use the Legislature’s oversight power to make state agencies work with employers, not against them.

8. How would your election impact the region’s workforce and the companies that call Southwest Michigan home?

Local job creators would retain an ally in the state house who is committed to getting government out of the way and creating an economic environment where they can grow and thrive.

9. How can elected officials create an environment where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

In divided government, working together isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. It starts with focusing on shared goals, bringing the other side in early, and sharing the credit. That’s how we built our nuclear package, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. It’s also how I passed legislation for Michigan’s craft distillers, signed by the Governor, and legislation protecting our nurses and operating room staff. Results come from relationships, listening, and working together to make life better for Michigan families.

10. What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

I don’t believe government should sort people into categories. Every Michigander wants the same things: a good-paying job, an affordable place to live, and a fair shot. When energy is affordable, taxes are low, and employers are growing, opportunity reaches every community.

11. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I’m in my community all the time listening and speaking with farmers, small businesses, and families. The best legislation I’ve passed has come directly from my constituents, and I plan to keep listening to my residents and making their voice heard in Lansing.

12. What are your long-term political or career goals?

My goal is simple: finish strong. I have four years left before term limits, and I intend to use every one of them to lower costs, stand up for our farmers, and make Michigan a national leader in reliable, affordable energy. I’m not focused on the next title. I’m focused on delivering for the people of Southwest Michigan and leaving our state better than I found it. If given the honor to keep serving, that’s exactly what I’ll do.

What is your campaign song?

Dancing in the Moonlight

What is your favorite movie?

Little Giants

What is your favorite book?

Outlander Series

What is your favorite food?

Crab legs

1. What community or professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

After one successful term in office, I am even better prepared to serve as State Representative for the 40th House District than I was in 2024. I was nominated as freshman legislator of the year in the Lansing press because of my work serving our community, providing expertise to the legislature in health policy, and by playing a key role in negotiating two bipartisan budgets which protected every dollar of Medicaid. I am the only medical doctor in the entire legislature, and I have 25+ years of experience in public health, health systems innovation, community engagement, and policy.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

I aim to improve the health and quality of life of all Michiganders.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

1. Inform budgets and policy which advance the “quadruple aims” of health policy: lower healthcare costs, improve health care quality, improve patient experiences in care settings, and stabilize the healthcare workforce.
2. Provide excellent constituent engagement and service.

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I will continue the practices my team and I have established during my first term, including regular and consistent outreach to all constituents. In addittion to all of the casework we do to help constituents navigate their bisiness with the State of Michigna, we host 2 public, nonpartisan, unscripted townhall meetings each month in the district where we take all kinds of questions and feedback. When legislating, I create processes for including many varied perspectives. For example, more than 40 organizations were involved in the development of the Primary Care Transformation package that I organized and introduced this year.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

Our region’s economy for the past 100+ years has been intricately tied to the healthcare sector. I will work to ensure that differentiator continues to be an asset to us all. We all benefit when local companies draw talent to our community. Further, I aim to support the health and economic development of our entire state by recognizing the role that great healthcare care plays in recruiting and supporting investments, jobs, workers, and their families to Michigan.

6. What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

In addition to leveraging our local economy ‘s strength as a biotech and healthcare hub, we must also continue to support and invest in our schools, colleges and universities. Kalamazoo county, and the 40th house district in particular, has one of the highest levels of educated populations in the state, and we have to keep it that way.

7. What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region, and how would you propose addressing them?

In addition to health care, housing is an exceptionally important issue and challenge which must be addressed. Kalamazoo County, and the municipalities within it, have been doing great work to address the housing crisis. But, it is still too hard for too many people to find and keep a roof over their head. That’s why I am a cosponsor of legislation to change zoning laws and pro.ote greater options and density in our housing options.

8. How would your election impact the region’s workforce and the companies that call Southwest Michigan home?

As a freshman member of the minority party I was able to bring more money home to the district I serve than any other member of my 52-member caucus. I aim to continue to bring resources to our community in my 2nd term. I am also uniquely positioned to help our community respond to new challenges coming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As an appropriator with expertise in health systems, I will continue to work to dampen its impacts on health care costs and education.

9. How can elected officials create an environment where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

I have long believed that the key to getting things done is through open and transparent leadership. Things in Lansing proceed at the speed of trust. I believe I have done the hard work needed in my first term to create bipartisan collaboration and stakeholder-engaged negotiations.

10. What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is to not succumb to the culture wars associated with the use of these terms. There is no doubt our community and economy benefit from diversity, equity and inclusion. At WMed, I have codirected a course for first and 2nd year med students to help them see how the diverse cultural and lived experiences of our neighbors affects health. Just providing opportunities to see the works from someone else’s perspective can be transformative. We must all do better to lift up all the voices in our community.

11. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

My team and I will continue to have an open door policy, but also to get out into the community. We have monthly coffee hours anf happy hours events which are open to the public. I am also often found at local government meetings, or charitable events, local high school sporting events, etc.

12. What are your long-term political or career goals?

I am incredibly honored and privileged to serve as the State Representative for my community. It is an amazing blessing to be able to do so, and still come home every night. My wife is a cancer survivor, and I will serve in my current role as long as she is healthy and the voters choose to send me back to Lansing. I have no plans to seek higher office.

What is your campaign song?

Everyday people

What is your favorite movie?

Interstellar

What is your favorite book?

Mountains beyond Mountains

What is your favorite food?

Turducken