Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 56 —Sharon MacDonell (D) and Mark Gunn (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 under divided government.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
MacDonell:
“My policy priorities are public education, reproductive healthcare, and investing in infrastructure so we can leave our children with the Michigan we all deserve. Also high on my list are protecting voting rights for everyone, legislating common-sense gun safety, and helping everyone enjoy life into our retirement years. I have been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the AFL-CIO, the Detroit News, AFSCME Council 25, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), MI List, Downtown Newsmagazine, and LGBT Detroit Mobilization. I have also earned Moms Demand Action’s Gun Sense Distinction.”
Gunn:
“My priorities in public policy include the Budget, education, roads, infrastructure, and election integrity. I have the background to fight for the correct allocation of our tax money. That will help with education and the roads and infrastructure. It will also help us the tax payers. I am tired of being treated as though we are here to work for government; I believe government should work for us. We are not their employees they are ours. My endorsements include Health Alliance, Insurance Alliance, Citizens for Traditional Values, Right to Life, Greater Metro Association of Realtors, the Association of Builders and Contractors of Michigan, and Michigan Corn”
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:
- Races with a 100% Candidate Connection completion rate, 2022
- Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022
