To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Bronwyn Haltom.

With experience as a resident, student, and business owner, Bronwyn Haltom is running for State Representative to represent the 61^st District with the future on her mind. “Like many, I am worried about Michigan’s future. Our elected leaders must continue focusing on the things that matter to Michiganders—preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, building better roads, and growing our economy with good-paying jobs,” said Bronwyn. If elected State Representative, Bronwyn would focus on expanding economic opportunity; investing in education, skilled trades and other programing; identifying long-term solutions to infrastructure issues; and developing an environment of transparency, accountability, and cooperation in the capital. In addition to sharing her perspective on policy, Bronwyn also let us know more about her. She loves a good drama film like “Little Women” or “Get Out,” and her favorite food is anything made out of pasta. Meet Bronwyn Haltom.

NAME
Bronwyn Haltom

AFFILIATION
Republican

POSITION SEEKING
State Representative

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
61st House District

EMAIL
bronwyn@bronwynhaltom.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

I grew up in Southwest Michigan, I was educated here, and my husband and I own a small business here. Like many, I am worried about Michigan’s future. Our elected leaders must continue focusing on the things that matter to Michiganders—preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, building better roads, and growing our economy with good-paying jobs. Michigan is at a crossroads, and we must decide whether we will move forward with the pro-growth policies that revived our state or go backwards into another lost decade. I believe in Michigan and am willing to fight for an even brighter future, which is why I hope to serve our community and be a voice for our Southwest Michigan in Lansing.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

• Expand economic opportunity and foster an environment that encourages growth and investment in our state.
• Invest in education, skilled trades, and programs that prepare Michigan students for 21st-century jobs.
• Find real, long-term solutions to address Michigan’s crumbling roads and infrastructure.
• Create an environment of more transparency, accountability, and cooperation in Lansing.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTION OF THE OFFICE?

I believe that meaningful bipartisan reforms are possible when legislators put politics aside and do good on behalf of their constituents—and I will work with colleagues to craft policies that will move Michigan’s economy forward and advance a pro-jobs agenda. Understanding the limitations on legislative authority and the challenges of divided government, I am motivated to seek commonsense solutions that bridge partisan divides and make a real difference in our communities.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

I will lead on legislation that removes government barriers and regulatory hurdles from business owners and encourages companies to invest in Southwest Michigan. As our economy recovers from the effects of COVID-19, our state must be truly open for business, and I will work to repeal overly burdensome regulations, advance programs that connect talent to meaningful career pathways, and reform occupational licensing laws.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

Whether on the campaign trail, driving, or relaxing at home, turning on any Frank Sinatra song makes my day better.

FAVORITE MOVIE

I love a good drama. Some recent favorites are “Little Women” and “Get Out.” One of my best childhood memories was watching “Rear Window” at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which remains one of my favorites.

FAVORITE BOOK

Recently I enjoyed “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng, but my favorite will always be “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

FAVORITE FOOD

Any type of pasta or dumpling really: spaghetti, ramen, gnocchi, pad Thai, angel hair, ravioli, wontons, I’m game.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The general Election will be held on November 3. Bronwyn Haltom is seeking this seat as a Republican.