On this year’s ballot are members of both branches of the Michigan Legislative Assembly (the House of Representatives and the State Senate). If you do not know in which legislative district you are voting, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to find more information – including your personalized ballot sample at your home address.
Whether you choose to vote by mail or in person, get to know the candidates before you vote by reading their responses to the top issues facing Michiganders.
Here are (below) the candidates in their own words. To return to the main electoral kit, click on here.
Meet the candidates
Julie Brixie (Democrat): I live in Meridian Township and have owned here for 31 years. Former Rotarian, MSU graduate, MS Crop and Soil Science and Environmental Toxicology. Meridian Township Treasurer, 10 yrs.; Meridian Township Council Member, 18; former environmental chemist. State representative, elected in 2018 and 2020; Meridian Township Treasurer, elected in 2008, 2012 and 2016; Meridian Township Administrator, elected in 2000 and 2004. I signed the petition on the issue of reproductive freedom (prochoice). I did not sign the non-taxation covenant.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): Michigan Tax Tribunal, Chairman, 1991 – 1998. Michigan State Board of Solicitors – 2009 to 2022. Michigan State Senator, 1983 – 1990; Supervisor of Bedford Township, Monroe County, 1976 – 1978. St. Martha’s Catholic Church – choir member for 23 years; Knights of Columbus, St. Martha Council No. 10006; Williamston Rotary – Founding Member – District 6360; Former Red Cedar Recreation Authority, Little League Baseball coach and football coach; Boy Scouts of America, Williamston Troop 63, former Merit Badge Advisor and Patrol Advisor; Cristo Rey Community Center – Board of Directors from 06/28/07 to 05/24/13. I am opposed to any net tax increase and will make that commitment anytime. Taxes are high enough. I am pro-life and support Michigan’s current abortion law, but recognize that this issue will be on the ballot.
On systemic racism
Julie Brixie (Democrat): We have many tax policies that are part of systemic racism here in Michigan. School and local government funding reform is one area to start tackling this problem. Communities with low property values (often urban areas) find it difficult to raise funds through property taxes to replace obsolete school buildings on bail. As a result, they must use education money for school buildings where suburban communities that rely on property tax obligations can use all of their public funds for children’s education. in taxes to fund education and local governments.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): I believe the content of his character determines whether he is racist and the vast majority of people are not racist. The government should not adopt programs that destroy families and increase urban decay. Please provide me with the statistics indicating that there is systemic racism.
On the COVID-19 response
Julie Brixie (Democrat): I would give the governor a B+ for his response to the pandemic. There have been so many saving actions taken. Michigan was an early trouble spot and had so many early deaths, including my colleague from Detroit, Rep. Isaac Robinson. The pandemic has increased awareness of health care inequities, redefined the essential worker, created child care issues and supply chain issues, among other things. We need to make sure we protect our food supply and invest in the areas needed to protect manufacturing.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): The state has overreacted to COVID. Schools should have remained open. The state should pass legislation for the legislature to work with the governor to address future pandemics.
On economic stability and inflation
Julie Brixie (Democrat): Workforce development remains very important. We have a huge opportunity in the skilled trades for people with all the infrastructure and transformational spending going on. We also need improvements in child care centers and increased capacity. We are still sitting on billions of dollars in relief funds that should be flowing to small businesses affected by the pandemic.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): We need to make sure that the government does not hamper the economy with regulations and other restrictions that may not be necessary.
On election security
Julie Brixie (Democrat): I accept the results of the 2020 election. Michigan Proposition 2 is crucial to the continued protection of our democracy. More than 50 voter suppression bills have been introduced this year, many vetoed by the governor. Yet no action has been taken on bills introduced to help city clerks process mail-in ballots earlier than Election Day. Michigan voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 3 in 2018 to allow mail-in voting for any reason. I support Proposition 2 to help ensure that every citizen has the right to vote.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): Enforceable sanctions should be provided when elected officials fail to comply with electoral law. Voters must have confidence in the outcome of elections. There is not enough evidence of voter fraud to overturn the results of Michigan’s 2020 presidential election.
On reproductive rights
Julie Brixie (Democrat): I am unequivocally in favor of access to safe legal abortions in Michigan. The 1931 abortion ban on the books today is archaic, cruel and must be repealed. I support Michigan’s Proposition 3 to constitutionally protect the right to a safe, legal abortion. The government has no place in anyone’s womb or bedroom and I will fight for your privacy in these areas. I am deeply troubled that my three children have less reproductive rights than I do at their age.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): Michigan law currently prohibits abortion except to save the life of the mother. I support this law and recognize that this issue will be decided by all Michigan voters now that Roe v. Wade is knocked down.
On LGBTQ rights
Julie Brixie (Democrat): The LGBTQIA community should be treated the same before the law. I was very pleased to see the Supreme Court of the United States rule that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the due process clause and the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment in the Constitution of the United States. However, the Dobbs decision cast a shadow over that victory. My daughter got married this fall to the love of her life, another woman. The thought that she might not have that right forever and Michigan refused to amend Elliot-Larsen is troubling. I don’t think government belongs in anyone’s bedroom, womb or doctor’s office.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): The law should not allow discrimination against anyone.
Other Import Issues
Julie Brixie (Democrat): Food supply security is one area where Michigan can truly become an important national player. Our agricultural diversity and climate give us a huge advantage in protecting our nation’s food supply.
Shinkle Standard (Republican): State energy policy. Michigan needs to be as energy independent as possible. I support safe hydraulic fracturing, installing the Line 5 pipeline safely below the lake bed, and the unsubsidized use of clean energy generation.
This story was assembled from electronic questionnaires run by LSJ press assistants Jayne Higo and Veronica Bolanos. Contact them at LSJ-EAs@lsj.com or 517.377.1112.