Michigan State Senate District 4 candidate surveys, 2022
From Ballotpedia
This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Michigan State Senate District 4 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 State Senate District 4
Darrin Camilleri defeated Houston James in the general election for Michigan State Senate District 4 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Darrin Camilleri (D)  | 55.3 | 64,387 |
 | Houston James (R) | 44.7 | 51,962 | |
| Total votes: 116,349 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
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
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
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.
| Collapse all
Darrin Camilleri (D)
I support increasing funding for our education systems and infrastructure (fixing our blocked train crossings, repairing our bridges, and fixing our roads, etc.)
We need to continue working to raise wages and lower costs for Michigan families. I voted yes to pausing the gas tax to put money back in the pockets of Michigan families, want to repeal the retirement tax, and want to go after drug companies for price gouging.
I firmly support protecting reproductive freedom and a woman’s right to choose.
We need to continue working to raise wages and lower costs for Michigan families. I voted yes to pausing the gas tax to put money back in the pockets of Michigan families, want to repeal the retirement tax, and want to go after drug companies for price gouging.
I firmly support protecting reproductive freedom and a woman’s right to choose.
Houston James (R)
Our Economy affects every single person in the entire nation no matter who you are, where you live, what you believe in or identify as. The key component to our entire economy which includes record levels of inflation is energy. Declaring war on any aspect of the energy sector, renewable or non-renewable, before any cost-comparative or suitable replacement is fully ready is ill-conceived. This logic is the same as removing a heart for a transplant before a donor heart is available. Until we have the infrastructure to fully make use of clean energy, we cannot abandon fossil fuels. If we do this, we will continue to see $4.50 a gallon prices at the pump. Energy prices across the board which increases cost of production, transportation and ult
America is not a free country; it is a country of freedoms. The freedom to live, believe, worship, work and raise one’s family as you please. The government has no right to determine the values which are to be instilled in the children of our citizens. This overreach has been manifested nationwide in attempts to have agenda-driven ideology incorporated into the classroom. It is my firm belief that teachers have every right to use the methods necessary to teach the fundamentals of core curriculum. However, parents have the absolute authority regarding social values and how they are presented in the classroom. More specifically, no child should be used as an ideological pawn in order to advance a one-perspective agenda prior to an age- appro
Businesses are the lifeblood to Michigan families. To treat them as a societal evil is self-defeating. To survive, all businesses must maintain a profit-level of 10-20%. Any time a regulation is placed on business, it increases cost. The business has no choice but to raise prices, cut wages, cut worker benefits or a combination of the three. Therefore, needless regulations need to be removed and any imposed must be done so out of pure necessity. This is especially true of small businesses, which are the largest employers of workers nationwide. Taxing businesses and imposing regulations may sound like an effort to help the “little guy” but is the exact opposite in practice. Prior to the Recession of 2008, Michigan did not share in the econom
America is not a free country; it is a country of freedoms. The freedom to live, believe, worship, work and raise one’s family as you please. The government has no right to determine the values which are to be instilled in the children of our citizens. This overreach has been manifested nationwide in attempts to have agenda-driven ideology incorporated into the classroom. It is my firm belief that teachers have every right to use the methods necessary to teach the fundamentals of core curriculum. However, parents have the absolute authority regarding social values and how they are presented in the classroom. More specifically, no child should be used as an ideological pawn in order to advance a one-perspective agenda prior to an age- appro
Businesses are the lifeblood to Michigan families. To treat them as a societal evil is self-defeating. To survive, all businesses must maintain a profit-level of 10-20%. Any time a regulation is placed on business, it increases cost. The business has no choice but to raise prices, cut wages, cut worker benefits or a combination of the three. Therefore, needless regulations need to be removed and any imposed must be done so out of pure necessity. This is especially true of small businesses, which are the largest employers of workers nationwide. Taxing businesses and imposing regulations may sound like an effort to help the “little guy” but is the exact opposite in practice. Prior to the Recession of 2008, Michigan did not share in the econom
Darrin Camilleri (D)
As a former teacher, I care deeply about our public schools and our education systems. We need to invest more in our schools from pre-k through college or trade school to give all our kids the opportunity to succeed. And coming from an area of Wayne County that needs substantial infrastructure investment, I want to do all I can to help fix our roads, bridges, and block train crossings.
Houston James (R)
I am passionate about bypassing political, corporate, and other leadership elites and direct my efforts towards the average citizen. That is what makes America great, the rank and file, the small business owners, skilled trade workers, service workers, farmers and their families. In Lansing, I will advocate for us, all of us. The working-class family trying to make ends meet. The middle-class family saving for that summer trip to Disney World. Or, the small-business owner struggling to come out of the pandemic. Metro Detroit was the birthplace of the middle class and was a shining example of the American Dream. Let’s get back to that.
Houston James (R)
I look up to my grandfather, the original Houston James more than anyone in this world. He was very active in my upbringing and is a 97 year-old WWII veteran. He has been very influential on my life. I would like to follow the example of my late boss, Dean of the House Congressman Don Young. His fierce dedication to his constituents and strong record of bipartisanship was a great example for what a public servant should look like. His sudden passing and my close bond with him has heavily influenced my decision to run for office and make a difference.
Houston James (R)
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" This classic Jimmy Stewart film was a childhood favorite of mine and epitomizes the integrity and advocacy of a true representative of the people.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
Elected officials should have a strong sense of integrity, be compassionate and understanding toward the issues facing their constituents, have effective communication and negotiation skills, and be painstakingly diligent about delivering results.
Houston James (R)
Honesty, hard work and the ability to communicate. The job is all about connecting with people and advocating for them. This cannot be done without the three aforementioned qualities. By having strong guiding principles and a great ear to hear the people, it sets up a good formula for success.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
Perseverance, collaboration and grit. Downriver has been struggling with many issues, including our train issues for decades. I was excited to lead the negotiation and bring Downriver, Wayne County, State and Federal leaders to finally secure the full funding for the Allen Road/Van Horn underpass project. I’m also excited to have helped secure recording funding for our schools in this last budget.
Houston James (R)
I am a great communicator, natural leader and I am not afraid to go against the grain and do things the way I believe they should be done, regardless of whether or not that decision is popular. I am fiercely loyal and love my community more than anything.
Houston James (R)
To always do what is best for your constituents, the state and the country at large. In that order. That is what you are elected to do, to help the country run as smoothly as possible and elevate the quality of life of the people. Not to look out for personal self-interest.
Houston James (R)
I would like to leave a legacy of always having done things the right way. I would much rather be respected than liked. If I can leave a legacy of never selling out my principles and always doing what was best for my constituents, then I will be very contented.
Houston James (R)
One of my earliest memories was the U.S invasion of Iraq in 2003. I remember vividly President George W. Bush announcing that American forces would be entering the region and my father and grandfather debating whether or not it wad a good decision. I was three years old at the time.
Houston James (R)
My very first job was working at the Walgreens in Brownstown Township on the corner of Telegraph and West Roads. I was there for just short of a year.
Houston James (R)
"Legacy of Ashes" by Tim Weiner or "Thomas Jefferson" by Willard Sterne Randall.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
I believe that the governor and state legislature must work together to improve the quality of life for all residents of the state. As a State Representative, I’ve worked closely with the governor and her office to pass legislation that benefits not only the residents of Wayne County, but all Michigan families. I’ll work with anyone to improve the lives of my residents in Downriver and Western Wayne.
Houston James (R)
The ideal relationship is one of intelligent compromise. To push for policies that will benefit the citizenry with minimal negative impact. While the policies of the Executive and Legislative branches may not always align, as policymakers, it is our job to put forth a product in which the Governor will be willing to sign into law regardless of political affiliation. A working, functional relationship between the legislature and the Governor is paramount to assure that bills which pass through stand a chance of being signed into law.
Houston James (R)
Accepting the "fossil fuel imperative" that in order to grow the economy and increase individual wealth, especially of the working class, we must embrace fossil fuels. We must do so in as environmentally-friendly way possible as we allow the markets to make large-scale green energy feasible. Unlike other states, Michigan struggled economically prior to the 2008 recession. We are economically struggling today along with most other states due to these same policies. The Detroit area was once a booming beacon of opportunity to immigrants and Americans alike, but we now struggle with declining populations and failing out of date infrastructure. We must change these policies to reverse this deepening decline.
Houston James (R)
The benefits are that it is easier to move legislation forward. This allows for minimal dissent and quick procedure. The negatives are that it is easy to move legislation forward. This allows for minimal dissent, which creates risk due to the lack of second-level restraint.
Houston James (R)
It would be beneficial for someone that lives up to the ideals which we expect from our political leaders. But it is a detriment when political leaders use that experience for personal gain. While inexperience may be viewed as a bad thing, I believe that the lack of political literacy may affirm a certain honesty and integrity to the office-holder. True representatives of the people do not need experience, they need to be able to listen and act.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
Yes. My priority is improving the quality of life of my constituents and supporting the district I represent. If there are other legislators that can help further that goal, no matter what party or side of the aisle, I will continuously work with them to deliver results for the residents of my district.
Houston James (R)
Absolutely, I believe with the current political climate and the ability to travel rapidly, Congress and the State Legislatures have lost a sense of camaraderie. It would be much more helpful for not only bipartisanship and functionality but for the mental health of office-holders. In every other work environment, people build up close bonds with their coworkers. I do not see why legislators should be any different.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
I support the current independent redistricting commission that oversees the redistricting process in Michigan. Including residents in the redistricting process helps reduce and eliminate the gerrymandering present when legislatures oversee redistricting.
Houston James (R)
I would love to be apart of the Education and Career Readiness Committee as well as the Families, Seniors and Veterans Committee.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
While in college, I worked for Congressman John Dingell. He is someone that lived a life of service to our residents in Michigan. He believed deeply in compromise and getting things done – and I hope to live up to that level of service during my time in the legislature.
Houston James (R)
I would like to stay true to myself, however I will not deny I have my influences. I certainly was personally touched and impacted by the firebrand Don Young, who's unique style and strong advocacy made him a true maverick on Capitol Hill. His integrity and old-school values were refreshing and aligned with how I was raised. I also find myself drawing on the legacy of the legendary President John F. Kennedy. His moderate centrism which unified a nation, his ability to lead the country through crisis and ability to look towards the future and inspire a nation to aim for the moon are all things that I admire greatly.
Houston James (R)
Someday I would like to possibly run to advocate for my community in the U.S House of Representatives. But that is not a major focus of mine. Right now I solely am focused on this race and helping my district in the here and now. The rest is far off in the future.
Houston James (R)
A story was once relayed to me by a teacher I respected. It involved a student who's father was in prison for murdering the boy's mother. Understandably the boy had anger issues, and could be a discipline problem. The principal did not like this student and would purposely bait him with antagonistic comments, the boy would react and be suspended. It reached the point where the boy was eventually expelled. As much as I intend to be an advocate for staff members in public schools, I intend to be an even bigger advocate for students, especially for those at risk.
Houston James (R)
Absolutely, this is the beauty of the checks and balances system our Founding Fathers laid out for us. If the legislature does not oversee this, it opens the door for tyranny.
Darrin Camilleri (D)
Yes, as a current State Representative, I know how important and necessary compromise is when working with other policymakers.
Houston James (R)
"Meet in the middle" compromise the art of everyone loses. But the ability to debate both sides and arrive at the best possible solution is "intelligent compromise". This type of compromise is necessary for policymaking at all levels, but especially at the state level. As mentioned before, my legislative mentor Don Young was a champion of compromise, which has unfortunately become a lost art in our current climate. While I do fear the radical direction which the American Left is going, the only way common sense legislation will get passed is through tough opposition, which oftentimes requires skillful compromise.
See also
More about these elections:
Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:
