State
State Senator, 16th District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator votes on Michigan laws and the state budget and confirms many of the Governor's appointments.
Covers part of Monroe, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties.
Taxes & budget
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports targeted tax relief for working families and seniors.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
- Voted against the FY2026 budget over business tax increases.In office
- Supports property tax reform to lower property taxes.In office
Public safety
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
No documented position found.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
- Voted against 2025 Democratic gun-restriction bills.In office
Education
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports expanding vocational training and trade school partnerships.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
- Sponsored a bill letting homeschoolers join public school activities.In office
Housing
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports building affordable starter homes.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
- Sponsored part of a package protecting mobile home residents.In office
Economy & jobs
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports cutting red tape and low-interest capital for small businesses.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
- Sponsored a bill repealing prevailing wage for renewable projects.In office
- Sponsored bills eliminating the state film office and incentives.In office
Roads & infrastructure
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports expanding high-speed broadband across the district.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
No documented position found.
Environment & parks
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
No documented position found.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
- Sponsored a bill barring local bans on natural gas.In office
Health & human services
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports universal coverage including dental and vision care.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Deandre BarnesDemocratic
- Supports ethics reforms limiting special-interest influence.
Joseph Bellino JrRepublican
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; 9 issues covered in this race.