Michigan House of Representatives District 95 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 95 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 95

Bill G. Schuette defeated Matthew Dawson in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 95 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill G. Schuette (R)	60.6	26,718
		Matthew Dawson (D)	39.4	17,379

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 44,097
= 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?

Matthew Dawson (D)

I will and do advocate for lower taxes and support efforts for higher wages amongst lower income households.

I will support efforts to expand healthcare coverage, and believe in offering a public option that will offer an alternative to standard insurance without eliminating it.

I believe to create a stronger future we need to invest in our future. That means infrastructure, education, and protecting our natural resources to ensure they will be there for the next generation and generations to come.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Matthew Dawson (D)

I am personally passionate about access to healthcare, as I lost my father to a preventable issue that he was unaware of because he couldn't afford healthcare. I am also passionate about cannabis legalization and expanding its availability, as its efficacy for mental and physical health cannot be denied, as well as its ability to bring in consumers and tax dollars for the state. Finally, I am passionate about education. I myself originally went to school to become a teacher and I have seen first hands the issues facing modern educators.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

In current politics, my biggest inspiration is John Fetterman. He has helped the Democratic Party realize that they need to reconnect with the working class and focus on fighting for them by holding those accountable that are profiting off of their work.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

The West Wing. It wasn't always perfect, but the ability to work with others with respect first and foremost is something that I think has been missing in politics for a long time and could be of great value.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

1. An ability to say no to corporate donors and stand up for what is right/actually represent their constituents.

2. A desire, when applicable, to reach across the aisle to get legislation passed.

3. A connection to the working class, as it makes up the bulk of constituents.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I am reliable, amiable, and pride myself on my ability to build relationships and help make connections with others.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

Listening to your voters, being a good communicator, and being willing to be flexible and adjust to any changes that occur.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Matthew Dawson (D)

I would simply like people's lives to be better off than they were when I began, whether they attribute it to my efforts or not.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

The earliest historical event that I remember would most likely be 9/11. I still remember being in art class when our principal came over the speaker to announce what had happened. Some of the day is fuzzy, but I still remember watching the news coverage and talking with my parents about what was happening. At the time I was 11 years old.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

My first job (outside of some seasonal work) was with Taco Bell when I was in high school. I worked there for about four years full time before moving onto a different position. My first professional job was with Deloitte & Touche as a business consultant. I traveled the country for four years before winding down due to the pandemic, which is what led to my departure from Deloitte.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Matthew Dawson (D)

Probably "The Great Gatsby." That period in history is of extreme interest to me, and its connection points to both history and literature are too good for me not to come back to.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I would want to be one of the characters on "Succession," if only to completely break off from the family and use some of that fortune to accomplish good in the world.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

Probably "abcdefu" by GAYLE. It is way too catchy.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Matthew Dawson (D)

A couple of years ago I lost my father unexpectedly. This was a massive wake up call for me to re-evaluate where I was and where I was going in life, and the importance of loved ones and family. It has led to me being more introspective, thoughtful, and open to ideas.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

The relationship should be one of respect and a willingness to cooperate, while also not being afraid to point out inconsistencies and hold each other accountable. The role of government is to govern the people to the best of their ability and do so while remaining a true representative of what the people want. If either side is allowing that to fall, then it is the responsibility of the other to point it out (respectfully, of course) and try to work towards a solution.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I believe the Midwest, and Michigan in particular, is going to see a population increase. Increased costs of living in urban areas, as well as expanded remote working, and a shift in climate all lead me to believe this region is ripe for a migration of people from more expensive and urban areas. I believe, as such, we need to invest in our infrastructure and protect our natural resources to ensure that we can handle the influx as well as protect ourselves for future generations.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

The benefits of a unicameral state legislature are that it allows for quicker, more efficient law passing. The downsides are that it removes a check/balance from the legislature. Overall, I believe that if we can elect more candidates that actually believe in representing their constituents and compromise, it is an unnecessary move that would not bring enough benefits to take the risk at this time.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I believe a passion for government and politics is more beneficial, however prior experience will be of assistance in most cases, if only because it allows for more understanding of how the mechanisms work.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

Building relationships with coworkers is always a good business practice. In terms of government I believe it is a necessity if you intend to try and negotiate at any point with others, both in and outside of your own party.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Matthew Dawson (D)

I support a bipartisan committee that takes their time and takes many factors into consideration, with open meetings for comments and concerns, and for the sake of clarity. The process should be given a fair amount of time, so that nothing is rushed or done haphazardly. I do believe the state legislature and governor should have as little influence over the committee as possible, so as to not imply any preferential treatment one way or the other.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I would be open to any and all opportunities afforded me.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Matthew Dawson (D)

N/A

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I don't look to any one modern legislator for how I would want to be. I believe modern politics have become way too tied into party loyalty. If anyone, I would point to Bernie Sanders, who typically votes Democrat but remains independent for the most part and isn't afraid to vote with Republicans if he feels it's the right thing to do.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I would never close off any opportunities, and if the right situation came up and I thought I could be of service, I would run for any office applicable.

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?

Matthew Dawson (D)

I have heard stories of people using cannabis to get off of opioid dependencies, which both makes me happy to see someone reclaiming their lives and sad knowing that others still won't because of ill conceived stigmas built by years of negative PR.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Matthew Dawson (D)

Two muffins are sitting in an oven. One turns to the other and goes, "man, is it just me or is it getting hot in here?"

The other screams and exclaims "OH MY GOD, A TALKING MUFFIN!"

It's stupid, sure, but it makes me smile every time.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

The legislature should have the ability to override emergency powers to ensure they are not abused.

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

Matthew Dawson (D)

I believe compromise and conversations with those who disagree with you is a key skill to have not just in politics, but in life. I would bring that ideal with me into office. While I believe there is a difference in compromise and surrendering an important sticking point, I also believe if we refuse to compromise nothing gets done. Case in point; the modern state legislature in Michigan.

See also

More about these elections:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022

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