Michigan House of Representatives District 57 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Michigan, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Michigan House of Representatives District 57 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 57

Thomas Kuhn defeated Aisha Farooqi in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 57 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Thomas Kuhn (R)	52.6	17,606
		Aisha Farooqi (D)	47.4	15,842

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 33,448
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

When I am elected, I will work across party lines to stop the gridlock in Lansing and make real investments in our communities. I want to represent all of the people of my district and to create policies that will help businesses thrive and allow citizens to afford a good quality of life.

I will work to ensure our public education system is supported so that we can provide a good quality education for all of our students, regardless of zip code. I will invest in improving our infrastructure, including our roads, bridges and water resources.

I want to support our businesses, large and small, to ensure they can thrive and provide jobs so that our children will remain in Michigan. I will work to protect our natural resources.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

1. Improving and building quality Infrastructure in our community

2. Ensuring our Michigan students have quality education

3. Working with small businesses as well as large corporations to improve economic development in District 57.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I have a lot of respect for Princess Diana. I am also a fan of Oprah Winfrey. I like folks who are self-made, who come from nothing and build legacies.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Yes. “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

It’s important for one to be a good listener, a good negotiator, and to be focused on getting results.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I am an empathetic individual, a great listener, and action-focused. Being an attorney has taught me that what folks want most in a leader is someone who’ll listen to them, see them, believe them and fight for them. And when I am a state legislator, I will fight for my community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

To first and foremost recognize that they are a public servant and must do everything in their power to improve the lives of their community. The responsibility of an elected official is to be the voice of their community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

The goal to leave the world in a better place than I found it. To inspire folks to stand up for what’s right and to never give up on our world. Each one of us has the power to change the world. I want to showcase that.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Princess Diana’s passing was quite traumatic for me. I was a fan. I think I was a young teenager when she passed away and it struck me how one person's compassion can impact so many people.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I volunteered at a health clinic for a year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

The Alchemist - The story inspires us to have hope during times of despair.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Elizabeth Bennett

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

“Too Much” by Mark Ronson ft. Lucky Daye

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I believe that the governor and the state legislature, regardless of party affiliation, must put political differences aside and pass legislation that serves the people of Michigan. The gridlock in Lansing serves no body. We cannot continue partisan fighting at the expense of progress.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Protecting our states natural resources, investing in our public education and infrastructure. Our roads and bridges and public commodities need to be updated and made safe for our community.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

The benefits are that policies can get passed and legislation can improve the health and well being of our communities, businesses and environment. The drawbacks are that if one party is out for corporate interests and do not serve the greater good of the community, we can potentially see dangerous laws enacted. The people should be able to trust that our legislators are working for the greater good of every Michigander.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I believe that what someone needs when running for office is a passion for public service.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Yes. Irrespective of our party affiliation, we are working towards helping Michiganders and creating a Michigan future generations will be proud to call home. The needs of our community and constituents should always come before party-politics.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I favor redistricting that creates fair maps of communities that are geographically similar and not maps that gerrymander a district.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Yes. The Education committee and small business

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I hold Lori Stone and Kyra Bolden-Harris in very high esteem. I would like to model myself after these talented and hard working leaders.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Right now, I am focused on my local community in House District 57.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

I was touched by the parents of two college students, who are worried that their daughters will leave the state of Michigan for better opportunities. They expressed concern about the cost of higher education. I think that we can do better to help families afford higher education and work to ensure businesses are strong enough to create jobs and retain a young work force.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Our legislature should be responsible and formidable enough to work with our governor and ensure the needs of our communities come before partisan politics. When emergency powers are needed, it should be because of an emergency, and we should be mature and professional enough to recognize how to help our community in times of need.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Aisha Farooqi (D)

Absolutely.

See also

More about these elections:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022

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