STATE HOUSE / DISTRICT 19 / DEMOCRAT

SAMANTHA STECKLOFF

Samantha Steckloff of Farmington Hills has a bachelor degree in political science. She is currently a member of the Michigan House and had served on the Farmington Hills City Council. She is active in local party organizations, along with the Michigan Fertility Alliance and Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit.

Government transparency

Michigan is one of only two states where the state legislature and administration are not subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. Although Governor Whitmer has promised in 2018 to extend the FOIA to cover her office and the legislature and the senate passed legislation in 2025, the House has still left these bills in the House Government Operations Committee with no movement. Do you support extending the Freedom of Information Act to cover the legislative and administrative branches of state government?

I support extending Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act to cover both the legislature and the governor’s office because transparency is essential to public trust. Michigan residents deserve to know how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent, and our laws should reflect that expectation. I’m committed to advancing reforms that increase accountability and bring Michigan in line with the vast majority of states.

Data Center Farms

Large scale data centers have become an important issue in Michigan. Should the state be providing incentives to attractive large scale data centers? What regulations should be enacted to protect residents from possible increased electric rates and impact on water sources in the state? Lastly, there have been concerns that the state could intervene in the local approval process along the lines of what has been done on alternative energy projects in the state. Would you support the state taking more control of the local approval process?

Michigan can attract data centers, but only when companies follow our environmental and energy regulations and work in true partnership with the communities they want to join. I support incentives only when projects protect residents from higher electric rates, safeguard water resources, and deliver real local benefits. I do not support taking siting authority away from local governments; communities must retain control over land‑use decisions, and every project should be required to meet Michigan’s standards before moving forward.

Economic incentive policy

There has been ongoing debate in both parties in Lansing about past and current administrations’ economic development policies for attracting new business to the state. What is you position on the current economic development efforts?

Michigan’s economic development efforts should focus on attracting new businesses while ensuring strong returns for workers and local communities. I support tools that help us compete nationally, but they must come with clear accountability, transparency, and measurable benefits like good‑paying jobs and long‑term investment. We should continue refining our approach to prioritize projects that strengthen local economies, support our skilled workforce, and deliver real value for taxpayers.

New taxes to offset Medicaid cuts

Michigan is facing major cuts to federal funds for Medicaid, thanks to the 2025 adoption of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. To counteract these cuts, Governor Whitmer had proposed increased taxes on tobacco and vape products and new taxes on digital advertising, which were ignored by legislators in recent budget sessions. Would you support similar tax proposals in the future? Why or why not?

Yes, I have supported responsible revenue measures in the past, and I would consider similar proposals if they help protect Medicaid and ensure people can keep accessing the care they rely on. When federal cuts threaten our most vulnerable residents, the state has a responsibility to look at fair, sustainable options like tobacco, vape, or digital advertising taxes rather than cutting services.

Financial disclosure

Voters approved financial disclosure for all state office holders and candidates. Are you satisfied with the regulations developed by lawmakers or are there changes you think need to be made? Explain.

The new financial disclosure requirements are a meaningful improvement, and I’m glad Michigan voters pushed for greater transparency. As we implement the law, I’m open to refining it to ensure disclosures remain clear, useful, and accessible to the public. My priority is maintaining a system that strengthens trust in state government while respecting the intent of the voters.

Validity of voting returns

Did you accept the returns of the presidential election in 2020? Yes or no.

Yes. I accepted the certified results of the 2020 presidential election, which were verified by state and federal authorities and upheld in courts across the country. The peaceful transfer of power depends on honoring certified outcomes, and I believe respecting those results is essential to maintaining trust in our democratic institutions.

Top three-five issues

What are the top three-five issues you want to address if you are ultimately elected?

My top three issues are education, health care, and infrastructure. For public education, I plan to continue strengthening higher education by building on Michigan’s free community college program, closing remaining affordability gaps, and increasing funding for dual enrollment and CTE programs. I will also continue programs like free breakfast and lunch and invest in the supports students need to succeed. In health care, I hope to advance legislation that increases drug transparency to help lower pharmaceutical costs, expand access to fertility care by removing financial barriers, bring down overall health care costs, and protect Medicaid and Medicare from cuts. On infrastructure, I will build on our road funding work by prioritizing investments in water infrastructure and modernizing the systems communities rely on every day.

Why vote for you

Why should a primary voter select you over another candidate?

Primary voters should select me because I have a proven record of delivering results for the people of Michigan. With more than a decade of public service, I’ve helped secure major investments in education, expanded access to health care, and brought home funding to improve roads for Michiganders. I’ve consistently focused on solving problems and strengthening our communities, and my commitment to this district is long‑standing. I’m ready to continue that work with the same energy, accessibility, and accountability voters expect.

BRANDON YOUNG

Brandon Young of Southfield has an associate degree in business management from Henry Ford College. He is founder and CEO of Safety Ops Specialists, He is a board member of Neway Works and Community Center of Rights and Equity.

Government Transparency

Yes. I support extending FOIA to cover the legislature and the governor’s office. The people pay for government, so the people deserve access to government records, with reasonable protections for privacy, security, and constituent services. Transparency builds trust.

Data Center Farms

I do not oppose technology or growth, but Michigan should not give away incentives without strong protections. Any data center incentive should require local jobs, clear water-use reporting, energy-cost protections for residents, environmental review, and full local transparency. I would not support the state taking away local control. Communities should have a major voice in approval decisions.

Economic Incentive Policy

Michigan should compete for jobs, but incentives must be accountable. I support performance-based incentives tied to real jobs, wages, local hiring, small business opportunities, and clawbacks if companies fail to deliver. We need economic development that helps residents, not just corporations.

New Taxes to Offset Medicaid Cuts

I would be cautious about broad new taxes. I support protecting Medicaid, seniors, children, and working families, but any revenue proposal must be fair, targeted, and transparent. I would be more open to taxes on harmful products like tobacco and vaping than taxes that raise costs on small businesses or everyday residents.

Financial Disclosure

I support financial disclosure because voters deserve to know whether elected officials have conflicts of interest. I believe the current rules are a good start, but they should be strengthened with clearer reporting, easier public access, stronger enforcement, and fewer loopholes.

Validity of Voting Returns

Yes. I accept the certified results of the 2020 presidential election.

Top Three to Five Issues

My top priorities are property tax stabilization and affordability, better access to healthcare, workforce development and job training, stronger education outcomes, and government transparency.

Why Vote for Me

Primary voters should select me because I bring real-life leadership, business experience, and community service to this race. I am not running to protect a system. I am running to protect people — seniors, working families, small businesses, and residents who feel ignored. I know how to build teams, solve problems, and fight for practical results that improve people’s lives.