2 Republicans facing off in state House district stretching from Ann Arbor to Howell

ANN ARBOR, MI — Two Republicans are vying for a chance to take on the Democratic incumbent in one of Michigan’s most competitive state House districts.

Ann Arbor Township Democrat Jennifer Conlin, a former freelance journalist, won the new 48th District seat in 2022 with 53% of the vote against Republican Jason Woolford.

The district stretches from Ann Arbor through parts of northern Washtenaw County, going west into Jackson County and north past Whitmore Lake through Livingston County — all the way up to the Howell area, including Pinckney along the way.

Former Northfield Township Trustee Tawn Beliger, an elected delegate for Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, and Brian Ignatowski, a small business owner from Hamburg Township, are competing in the Aug. 6 primary for a chance to challenge Conlin in November.

MLive/The Ann Arbor News has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide the Vote411.org voter guide.

Beliger responded to the voter guide questionnaire, laying out why she’s running and her positions on issues. Ignatowski did not respond and also did not take part in a 48th District candidate forum, though he states on his website he’s running due to dissatisfaction with Michigan’s current state, including the economy, inflation, taxes and the governor’s policies.

Note: All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

GENERAL BIO QUESTION: Why are you running for the Michigan State Legislature?

Beliger:

To restore hope to the people of our great state, to stand up to protect their rights and liberties, and to create a small business friendly environment in Michigan.

EDUCATION: What should Michigan do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all while addressing the current teacher shortage.

Beliger:

Greatly reduce the number of administrators and administrative departments, and take those resources and allocate them to attracting educators. Sadly a large segment of the public education system has lost it way, and fails to educate our youth. This must be rectified. Consider creating a true liberal arts public education system in Michigan to attract families to our state.

ENVIRONMENT: What do you see as the state’s role, if any, in mitigating the impact of climate change?

Beliger:

Michigan could pass bills to protect the atmosphere / stratosphere over our state from the dangers of the intentional dispersing of chemicals into the atmosphere (geoengineering). Tennessee is working on legislation to protect their state: Environmental Preservation - As enacted, prohibits the intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.

RESIDENT RETENTION: What actions/proposals, if any, do you support to retain residents in our state?

Beliger:

I propose reducing Michigan income tax to encourage resident retention. Stimulate a stronger employment market through the reduction in unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses and service providers.

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