U.S. HOUSE / DISTRICT 11 / REPUBLICAN

ETHAN BAKER

Ethan Baker, an attorney, resides in Troy. He holds a BA in Political Science, a law degree and a masters of Public Affairs. Baker has been a member of the Troy City council and currently serves as mayor .He is a member of the Great Lake Fishery Commission and a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Leadership Advisory Board.

Israel – Hamas war

Israel is an important ally of the United States, and we need to stand by our allies. But for me, the starting point is always going to be the same: what best protects America, Americans, and our national security? I also believe Congress has a responsibility to provide real oversight when American weapons and taxpayer dollars are involved. We can support Israel while still asking tough questions and demanding accountability. And I think we have to remember that our district is home to people with very different experiences and deeply held views on this issue. I’m going to listen to all of them. People deserve to know their representative hears them and will put America’s safety and interests first.

Ukraine support

Yes, I support continued American support for Ukraine. That doesn’t mean our support should be unlimited or without accountability. Congress should know where American taxpayer dollars and resources are going and make sure our allies are also doing their part. Working toward a lasting peace is in America’s national security interest.

Iran war

I think it would be irresponsible for me to pretend I have access to all of the national security and intelligence information necessary to make a fully informed judgment about the war with Iran. I do believe we must ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon and that America and our allies are protected. At this point, Congress absolutely needs to have a role. These are incredibly consequential decisions involving American lives, our military, and our national security. I also believe that’s consistent with what people in our district expect. They want a strong America that can defend itself, but they also expect transparency, accountability, and Congress to do its job.

ICE and immigration

I believe our immigration laws need to be enforced. And I also believe ICE needs reform, not abolition. There’s a real difference between keeping dangerous criminals out of our country and creating fear among immigrant families who are here legally and have done everything we’ve asked of them. As mayor of Troy, I represent a city where approximately 31 percent of our residents are foreign-born. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and I see its value every day. There’s no question our immigration system is broken. As Congress considers what comes next, including what happens to people already living here, I’ll listen carefully to the people of our district. We need solutions that enforce our laws, protect our communities, and treat people with dignity and respect.

Supreme Court concerns

I think there’s value in the stability and independence of the Supreme Court, even when we don’t always agree with its decisions. As such, I’m not supportive of term limits for Supreme Court justices, or adding more justices to the court. I do think strong ethics rules are important. I’ve worked hard for ethics and transparency during my time as mayor because I believe people should be able to trust their government and the people who serve in it. The same basic principle applies here. I’m always willing to look at reasonable ways to strengthen accountability and public confidence, but I don’t think fundamentally changing the makeup of the Supreme Court is the answer.

Housing demand

Housing has simply become too expensive, especially for young people and first-time homebuyers who are wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford a home. I’ve spent a lot of time working on this through the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and one of the best parts of that work is getting to talk with mayors from all over the country and hear what’s actually working in their communities. I think Congress can learn from that. We need more housing, fewer unnecessary barriers that drive up the cost of building, and more private investment. But Washington doesn’t have to dictate every answer. I’d rather listen, find the ideas that are actually working, and help give our local communities the tools and flexibility to put those ideas to work.

Your top priorities

My first priority is always going to be listening to the people I represent. That’s how I’ve approached being mayor and Chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and it’s how I’ll serve in Congress. The people of the 11th District should help drive my priorities. What I hear most is that people want an economy that works for them with lower costs, good-paying jobs, and more manufacturing and skilled trades here in Michigan. They want better access to mental and physical healthcare, and strong local schools that focus on literacy and involve parents. They want to feel safe at home and know our country is secure. And they want responsible growth that protects our communities and our Great Lakes.

Why vote for you

I’m running for Congress because, on a human level, it’s not healthy for us to be this divided. Most of us want the same basic things: stability for our families, security and respect in our individual lives, opportunity for our kids and grandkids, safe communities, and a future we can feel confident in. The challenges we face are too important to be handled through division alone. As mayor of Troy, working with mayors across the country, and leading efforts to protect the Great Lakes, I’ve proven we can listen, treat each other with respect, and work together. That is the better way and the kind of leadership I’ve brought as mayor and as chair of the GLFC, and that’s what I’ll bring to Congress.