Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Michigan State Senate District 16 —Katybeth Davis (D) and Joseph Bellino (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Eighty-eight of the country’s 99 state legislative chambers will hold regularly scheduled elections in 2022. The Republican Party controls both chambers of Michigan’s state legislature. Michigan is one of 13 states with divided government.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Davis:
- “Racial Justice- The injustice of systemic racism needs to be addressed through, comprehensive criminal justice reform, and investment in BIPOC communities.”
- “Climate Crisis & Environmental Issues- Ensure the Great Lakes and critical sources of drinking water are protected from contamination by toxic chemicals such as PFAS.”
- “Access to Healthcare- I will fight to protect healthcare by standing up for people’s access to critical health services such as birth control, mental health services, and cancer screenings.”
Bellino:
- “Experience. I have been a house representative for 6 years now and I have learned to apply an empathetic but shrewd approach to legislation that ensures the responsible decision is made but that nobody gets left out in the cold.”
- “Parental control in education. I will fight to ensure more parental rights in schools, and more options for school of choice, ensuring our children receive the best opportunities.”
- “Economic development. I have proudly been involved with legislation that has created numerous jobs and brought vast arrays of business to the state and I will continue to do so.”
Click on candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Additional reading:
Learn More
