State
State Representative, 97th District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 2 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state representative votes on Michigan laws and the state budget on behalf of the district.
Covers part of Saginaw, Tuscola, Genesee and Bay counties.
Taxes & budget
Jack BaderDemocratic
No documented position found.
Briar BearssRepublican
- Supports reducing taxes and wasteful spending.
Public safety
Jack BaderDemocratic
- Opposes Flock license plate camera networks.
Briar BearssRepublican
No documented position found.
Education
Jack BaderDemocratic
No documented position found.
Briar BearssRepublican
- Supports reforming the state education bureaucracy.
Economy & jobs
Jack BaderDemocratic
- Proposes public ownership of AI with a 32-hour workweek.
Briar BearssRepublican
- Supports keeping Michigan land in Michigan owners' hands.
Environment & parks
Jack BaderDemocratic
- Opposes AI data centers in Michigan.
Briar BearssRepublican
- Supports repealing green-energy mandates.
Health & human services
Jack BaderDemocratic
- Supports guaranteed health coverage for every Michigan resident.
Briar BearssRepublican
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Jack BaderDemocratic
- Supports banning political contributions from regulated utilities.
- Pledges not to accept corporate PAC money.
Briar BearssRepublican
No documented position found.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.