Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026

Our Freedom of Speech. I will fight to protect the unborn stop Michigan tax dollars paying for abortions in our state, and for neighboring states.

I will fight for our children stop boys in girls sports, and the sex mutilation of our youth.

I will fight for veterans and our seniors. Let’s talk Michigan, I will fight for you.

Truth and Transparency in Government-

Michiganders deserve leaders who are honest and accountable. I’ll champion the Michigan Open Government Act to make every state dollar, contract, and decision public. People should know exactly how their money is spent and who is making decisions. I’d rather lose telling the truth than win by lying, because integrity must come before politics. Voters can count on me to lead with transparency, honesty, and accountability—always putting people ahead of special interests.

Fix What’s Broken and Invest in the Future-

Michigan ranks 41st in education, 39th in infrastructure, and 32nd in the environment. That’s unacceptable for a state with our resources and talent. As mayor, I proved I can deliver—turning around a struggling city, securing grants, and guiding it through crisis. As governor, I’ll bring that same results-driven leadership to rebuild schools, fix our roads and bridges, and invest in clean water and energy. Michigan can and must do better, and I know how to get it done.

A Fighter for Working Families, Not Special Interests-

I’m not backed by political dynasties or corporate insiders—I’m the daughter of a factory worker and a union organizer. I’ve fought through adversity, from gender discrimination to surviving domestic violence, and I’ve never stopped standing up for others. I understand what working families face because I’ve lived it. My candidacy is about giving everyday people—not lobbyists or career politicians—a government that finally works for them. I’ve proven I can deliver results, and I’ll fight for Michigan families every day.

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/EvanSpace2025.jpg

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The time has arrived to build economic recovery for the state of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula! Space will push to balance better living conditions for everyone. Knowing prices are high due to inflation, his administration will work to find opportunities for lowering and adjusting to assist in the needs of every Michigander's lifestyle. Evan Space is a lifetime resident of Michigan working as an entrepreneur and 8 year military veteran. He is a Political Science major at GVSU, and WMU, ROTC cadet, who understands the needs and wants of Michigan and the U P. Let Mr. Space become your voice. Make Michigan Magnificent! Join Space's campaign to Governor

The state of michigan has gone through a lot of turnoil. Much of our history is being changed in our state. While new laws that are being written. Evan space will promise to make a recovery effort in safeguarding you're civil rights, and correct faulty courts and law enforcement including the DOC. Schools will become safe grounds once again away from outside influence, education will be readily available for private public and homeschooling. No more history will be erased! Space will safeguard your citizenship as Michiganders and will never impede the 2nd amendment. Our state needs to protect our lives and growth and that is the mission Space plans to do for our state.

Every Michigander wants to have that feeling of waking up knowing the state is becoming stable and that they have money in their pockets and accounts. We want to bring new life to our state, feel involved, and protected. Space understands these needs a balanced Republican Gubernatorial candidate that will provide these solutions. Our state does not need to continue with making anyone feel like that are forgotten. Everyone here matters. From the time you grow up, Space administration wants a positive impact for your chance at life. Opportunities for jobs be there and fix the economy the right way Michigan needs.

Abortion, exploitation of our children, and the general welfare of our veterans.

Transparency in Government- The public policy area I’m most passionate about is transparency. Too many decisions in Lansing are made behind closed doors, with taxpayers left in the dark about where their money goes or why choices are made. As Cape Coral’s mayor, I turned around a struggling city by securing grants and putting accountability systems in place so people could see results for themselves. I’ll do the same in Michigan by championing the Michigan Open Government Act, which will require real-time, searchable reporting of every state contract, dollar, and vote. When government operates in the open, we restore accountability, rebuild trust, and make sure policies serve people—not special interests.

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

Good roads, good jobs, good pay, affordable housing, educational needs for everyone's tailored needs and overhaul of the FOC DOC and infastructure of spending including tax relief and eliminations are key components to my building blocks of necessity to the state. I'm a huge participant taker to involving Michigan in the Space Exploration programs and potential launch sites. Filming in Michigan I'll promote and politics will remain neutral in the opportunity. Lastly for much of the damage that was done to the state. With laws, historical sites, and education for everyone. Space will make efforts to correct these faults.

I’ve been inspired by many great leaders whose courage, wisdom, and resilience shaped history. Maya Angelou taught me the power of using your voice with truth and grace, even when it’s uncomfortable. President John F. Kennedy showed that leadership means calling people to a higher purpose, asking not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied the courage to fight injustice with moral clarity and nonviolence, proving that love and justice are stronger than hate. Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks remind me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things—whether leading others to freedom or refusing to give up a seat, they changed the course of history through quiet strength and fearless action. And Michelle Obama’s example shows the importance of authenticity, dignity, and using influence to lift others up. What unites all of these figures is their willingness to stand for truth and justice, often at great personal cost, and their belief that one person’s courage can spark a movement. That’s the example I want to follow in my own leadership. I want to be remembered as someone who fought for people, who told the truth even when it wasn’t easy, and who used my position to open doors for others. Their lives remind me daily that leadership is not about titles or power—it’s about service, courage, and leaving the world better than you found it.

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

I have had several encounters with 4 Governors in my life and have grown up with two of my childhood icons becoming Governor and acting. Most of my role models are highly motivated and reach to achieve unimaginable goals and success. My Grandfathers would be my biggest role models I follow after.

Not at this time.

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

A Respectable Army The Military Origins of the Republic

Awareness, and empathy.

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, transparency, and courage. Integrity means telling people the truth—even when it’s not popular. Transparency means every decision, contract, and dollar is open to the public so trust can be restored. Courage means standing up for what’s right, not what’s easy, and being willing to lose an election rather than compromise your values. I believe elected officials must also listen with empathy, act with accountability, and remember they work for the people—not special interests or political insiders. These principles guide me and will shape every decision I make as Governor.

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

A tribute of good moral fiber is to a character's personal cause to believe and follow. A policy should be on when they look forward to making it better for the people. Space works to promoting transparency for the time in office and developing a good bond with the people of Michigan.

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

Listening to both sides of the political aisle and other parties involved I bring a chance for the best possible choices to be made in office. My transparency would allow us to rationalize decent decisions.

Spending Michigan Tax Dollars.

The core responsibility of a governor is to serve the people—not special interests, not political dynasties, not party insiders. That begins with honesty and transparency. Every dollar spent, every contract awarded, and every decision made should be open to public view. Without trust, nothing else in government works, which is why I will champion the Michigan Open Government Act to create real accountability.

A governor must also be a problem-solver who delivers results. Michigan ranks near the bottom nationally in education, infrastructure, and the environment—areas that directly impact our families and our economy. The governor’s responsibility is to make sure schools are funded fairly, our roads and bridges are safe, and our water and natural resources are protected for future generations. These aren’t partisan issues—they’re basic responsibilities of government.

Equally important is leadership in times of crisis. As Cape Coral’s first female mayor, I guided a city through Hurricane Irma, one of the costliest storms in Florida history. Preparation and transparency saved lives and infrastructure. That experience taught me that a governor must be calm under pressure, decisive, and willing to put people’s safety ahead of politics.

Finally, a governor has a duty to listen and lead with empathy. That means hearing the voices of working families, small business owners, teachers, veterans, and those who often feel left out of Lansing’s decisions. My background as the daughter of a Kellogg’s factory worker and a union organizer, a former mayor, and a survivor has shaped me into someone who knows how to fight through adversity and still keep people at the center of every decision.

To me, the job of governor is simple in principle, but demanding in practice: be honest, be transparent, deliver results, and never forget who you work for—the people of Michigan.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The governor of Michigan should always consider what is best for the state. Being involved with the community and making decisions that are tougher them most with the choice interest of the best potential outcome aka transparency. The position should have the responsibilities to find the new opportunities evolving available. And what is best?

The legacy I would like to leave would be that I'm not just a good person but that I was Christ like.

The legacy I want to leave is one of honesty, courage, and service. I’d like to be remembered as a leader who always told the truth, even when it wasn’t easy, and who put people before politics. I’d rather lose an election standing on integrity than win one by compromising my values.

Maya Angelou said, “Your legacy is every life you have touched.” That’s the standard I hold myself to. I want my legacy to be that I restored trust in government by making it transparent and accountable, so every Michigander could see how their money was spent and know their voices mattered. I hope people will say I fought for strong schools, safe infrastructure, clean water, and opportunities for all families—not just the wealthy or well-connected.

Beyond policy, I want my legacy to reflect resilience. As someone who survived adversity and still chose to serve, I want others—especially women, survivors, and young people—to know that no matter what you’ve been through, you can rise, lead, and make a difference.

Ultimately, I want my children and future generations to see Michigan as a place where hard work is rewarded, fairness is the standard, and hope always wins. If my legacy is measured by the lives I’ve touched and the trust I’ve restored, then I will have done my job.

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

A broaden Space Exploration program for the state, allowing Michigan the chance to give the Upper Peninsula 51st statehood, and several tunnels connecting Upper and lower Michigan. Creating a economy for Michigan that works.

The first major historical event I remember was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I was 19 years old, and I can still picture the scenes on TV of people climbing the wall, tearing it down brick by brick, and celebrating their freedom. It was such a powerful moment, not just for Germany but for the whole world. For me, it symbolized hope, unity, and the idea that when people stand together, they can break down even the biggest barriers. That memory has always stayed with me as a reminder that real change is possible.

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

Mount Saint Helen erupted in the United States and I was just under 1 years old.

My first job was a page at the local library. I was their for a year.

My very first job was at 15, working at Surf N Chicken in Battle Creek by KCC. I’d hop on my ten-speed bike and ride over for my shifts, proud just to be earning a paycheck (and smelling like fried chicken when I left!). I worked there until I got my license, then I “upgraded” to Big Boy because that’s where the big tips were. Those first jobs weren’t glamorous, but they gave me independence, taught me how to work hard, and left me with a lot of funny memories I still carry with me today.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I was a window washer, at 8 years old working in the family business and have remained with the profession for over 36 years.

If I’m being funny, I’d say my favorite book is my own memoir, Ms. Mayor—because who doesn’t like to relive their own rollercoaster story once in a while? But in all seriousness, my favorite “non-me” book is Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty. It’s a powerful story that weaves together science, spirituality, and the human ability to overcome hardship. What resonates with me most are the principles it teaches about resilience, compassion, and the importance of training both the mind and the heart. Having faced struggles of my own, I connect deeply with its message that while we can’t control every challenge life gives us, we can choose how we respond. That book reminds me that healing, empathy, and hope aren’t just personal virtues—they’re tools we can use to build a better world.

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

Good Steven King novel, because it's a good read.

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Wonder Woman. She represents strength, courage, and justice, but also compassion and empathy—qualities I believe leaders must have. She doesn’t back down from a fight when people need protection, but she also leads with heart, always striving to bring more peace to the world.

I connect with her because she shows that women can be powerful and unapologetic while still being deeply caring. Like Wonder Woman, I’ve had to face challenges that tested me, but I came out stronger and more determined to stand up for others. She’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about power for its own sake—it’s about using your gifts to protect, uplift, and inspire.

And truthfully, who wouldn’t want the lasso of truth? For me, it’s the perfect symbol of the kind of leadership I believe in—leading with honesty, transparency, and integrity.

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

Captain America.

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

Surfing Bird "Have you, heard, Bird is the word, Bird....

One of the greatest struggles in my life came after my time in office, following my experience with domestic violence. The aftermath was overwhelming—it took me years to heal, to reflect, and to find my footing again. That period brought me to my knees, forcing me to face pain I never expected to endure. But in that brokenness, I also found the strength to rebuild—a stronger, wiser version of myself.

That journey gave me empathy on a deeper level than I ever had before. It taught me what it truly means to listen, to support others in their hardest moments, and to never judge someone’s path because we rarely know the battles they are fighting. Most of all, it gave me a profound calling to make the world a better place.

From that struggle came clarity: I want to live in a world with more love and less violence. That vision fuels everything I do today—whether it’s advocating for survivors, fighting for transparency in government, or running for governor. My personal journey through pain to healing has shaped not just who I am, but how I lead, reminding me every day that even in our hardest struggles, we can find purpose and use it to lift others.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Never letting any failure or unsuccessful attempt that may occur to keep you down. It is by any disability a person may have visible or hidden that perseverance will always come with those who really try. I have been a pro fighter my entire life and if I have ever lost, it wasn't due to failure. It was meant that match needed a 4th period. I stand as a pinnless wrestler and mma fighter in hundreds of matches and yet if I lost, success is just never quitting.

This is my platform. But I have big plans for our state.

Governors wear many hats, but in Michigan the most important responsibility is restoring public trust and delivering results that improve people’s daily lives. That starts with transparency. Too often Lansing operates behind closed doors, leaving taxpayers in the dark about how their money is spent. I’ll champion the Michigan Open Government Act so every dollar, contract, and vote is open to the public. Without trust, nothing else works.

With transparency as the foundation, the governor’s duty is to fix what’s broken and invest in the future. Michigan ranks 41st in education, 39th in infrastructure, and 32nd in the environment—unacceptable for a state with our resources and talent. Our children deserve strong schools, our families deserve safe roads and bridges, and every community deserves clean water and protected natural resources.

Supporting those who serve is equally vital. As the wife of a Gulf War veteran and mother of a son in the Army National Guard, I know the sacrifices military families make. A Michigan governor must ensure veterans have access to healthcare, education benefits, job training, and mental health services so they can thrive after service.

Public safety must also be a priority. Communities rely on well-trained, well-equipped first responders, and leaders must support law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency personnel while building trust between them and the people they serve. As mayor, I led Cape Coral through Hurricane Irma—one of the costliest storms in U.S. history—and saw firsthand that preparation and strong partnerships with public safety officials save lives.

For Michigan, the governor’s greatest responsibility is clear: restore trust, invest in education, rebuild infrastructure, protect the environment, and support veterans and public safety. When we do these things, we make Michigan stronger, safer, and more prosperous for every family.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

Being Michigander means snowy blackouts, extreme summer heat, tornadoes, environmental mishaps and security these are the needs of a Michigan and Yooper Governor. Passing reasonable laws and intervention when needed. Being that voice for anyone in Michigan. Lastly compassion and involvement a citizen chosen to lead by example.

I believe that the governor can make a lot of decrees but it is up to Michigan to accept or decline what I want to enforce.

In Michigan, the budget isn’t just a financial document—it’s a statement of our values. I believe the governor must play a strong leadership role in the budgeting process, not by dictating it alone, but by setting clear priorities, ensuring transparency, and building consensus with the legislature.

The governor should be responsible for presenting a balanced budget that reflects the needs of our people: fully funding education, fixing our infrastructure, protecting our environment, supporting veterans, and ensuring public safety. But it’s not enough to submit numbers on a page. Every Michigander deserves to see where their money is going, how much programs cost, and what outcomes they are achieving. That’s why I will pair budgeting with real accountability—public dashboards that show in plain language how funds are being spent and whether they’re producing results.

As Cape Coral’s mayor, I managed multimillion-dollar budgets and turned a struggling city around by securing grants, restoring reserves, and making government accountable to its residents. Those same principles apply in Michigan: fiscal responsibility, measurable outcomes, and open books.

Ultimately, I believe the governor’s role is to lead with vision and integrity—setting the framework for a responsible budget, engaging stakeholders, and making tough choices when needed—while ensuring the process is transparent and collaborative. If people can see how their tax dollars are used and trust the system is fair, we can rebuild both Michigan’s finances and public confidence in government.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

I believe the appropriate degree of involvement with the governor should be appointed to economic advisors. The choice matter of state budgets is a senate involved issues and the Governors position is to make the appropriate decisions best for the state.

Again, I don't know of the severity of these issues, but I would go to Michigan to make decisions.

In Michigan, the governor does have line-item veto authority, and I believe it should be used carefully, transparently, and only when it protects the interests of taxpayers. The power is not meant to score political points—it’s meant to safeguard public money from waste, special-interest giveaways, or provisions that undermine the state’s priorities.

My philosophy is simple: if a budget line doesn’t serve the people of Michigan, if it lacks accountability, or if it diverts resources away from core needs like education, infrastructure, the environment, veterans, and public safety, then it doesn’t belong in the budget. A governor has a responsibility to stand up against back-room deals and hidden earmarks that don’t align with the state’s long-term goals.

At the same time, I would use this authority with restraint. The budgeting process must remain collaborative, and the legislature’s role deserves respect. My first step will always be negotiation and compromise. But when wasteful or harmful spending is slipped into the budget, I won’t hesitate to use the line-item veto to protect Michigan families.

As mayor, I managed multimillion-dollar budgets by focusing on results and making sure every dollar worked for the community. I’ll apply that same principle here: the line-item veto is not a weapon, but a safeguard—one I will use when necessary to keep Michigan’s budget focused on transparency, accountability, and the real needs of our people.

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

My philosophy is that if it does not fit the best outcome for the proposal and the people, I will not equip and veto unnecessary laws or bills as needed.

According to our founding fathers, there is a check and balances through the government.

I believe the ideal relationship between the governor and the legislature is one built on respect, transparency, and collaboration—always keeping the people of Michigan at the center. We may come from different parties or represent different regions, but our responsibility is the same: to serve the people, not political insiders or special interests.

As governor, I would approach the legislature as a partner in solving problems. That means setting clear priorities, being honest about challenges, and creating space for bipartisan cooperation. Michigan faces serious issues—our schools rank 41st nationally, our infrastructure 39th, and our environment 32nd. These aren’t partisan problems; they’re Michigan problems. Addressing them requires lawmakers and the governor working together toward practical, transparent solutions.

At the same time, collaboration cannot mean compromise on core values. I will always insist on transparency, accountability, and putting working families first. If back-room deals or special-interest giveaways threaten to derail that, I won’t be afraid to push back. But I know from my experience as mayor—where I worked with unions, businesses, and political opponents to secure grants and rebuild trust—that respectful collaboration achieves more than constant division.

The ideal governor–legislature relationship is not about one side “winning.” It’s about creating a government that functions, restores trust, and delivers results. If we keep the focus on Michigan families rather than partisan politics, we can build a state that truly works for everyone.

What do you love most about your state?

Is the workability to work alongside both political parties in making agendas and policies making changes the laws only for the better. The the governor needs to make sure that all legislation that is done in Michigan is presented properly to be voted on and not hidden from the people.

I see the strength of our families.

What I love most about Michigan is its people—the grit, resilience, and heart that define who we are. I was born and raised in Battle Creek, the daughter of a Kellogg’s factory worker and a UAW union organizer, and I grew up surrounded by hardworking families who looked out for one another. That spirit of community still inspires me every day.

Michigan is also blessed with unmatched natural beauty. From the Great Lakes to our forests, farmland, and small towns, our state offers a quality of life that few places in the world can rival. I love that you can watch a sunrise over Lake Huron and a sunset over Lake Michigan in the same day. Protecting that natural beauty—our water, land, and air—is not just policy for me, it’s personal.

But what makes Michigan truly special is the combination of tradition and possibility. We are the state that put the world on wheels, that built a strong middle class through labor and innovation, and that continues to be a place where people believe in hard work and fairness. From teachers and factory workers to small business owners, farmers, veterans, and students, Michiganders represent the very best of the American spirit.

What I love most is that no matter where you go—from Detroit to the U.P.—you find people who care deeply about their communities and believe Michigan’s best days are ahead. That hope, resilience, and pride in our state is what I carry with me, and it’s why I am committed to fighting for a Michigan that works for all of us.

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

"Hold my beer while I try something," an infamous measure of Michigan in a slogan of good bad and ugly. Representing the unmeasurable fearlessness any Michigander or Yooper must be to be called one. This is a tough weather personality character of all the great state. I have been drawn here for my lifetime and served a year across seas to protect this land. Michigan is truly unique and wonderful.

Our future with our children.

Over the next decade, Michigan faces challenges that will define whether we thrive or fall further behind. First is education. With our state ranked 41st nationally, we are failing too many children. If we don’t invest in strong schools, support teachers, and ensure equitable funding, we risk losing the next generation of talent to other states.

Second is infrastructure. Michigan ranks 39th in the nation, and every Michigander feels it—whether driving over crumbling roads and bridges, living with outdated water systems, or struggling with limited broadband access in rural areas. If we don’t act, these problems will only grow more costly and dangerous.

Third is the environment. With 20% of the world’s freshwater in the Great Lakes, Michigan has both an obligation and an opportunity. Yet we rank 32nd nationally in environmental quality. Contaminated sites, PFAS chemicals, and climate change threaten our water, air, and public health. Protecting these resources is essential not only for our economy and tourism but for our children’s future.

We must also prepare for economic transformation. Global competition, automation, and the clean energy transition will reshape jobs in manufacturing and beyond. Michigan has always been a hub of innovation—we must lead again in advanced manufacturing, EVs, and renewable energy, or risk being left behind.

Finally, we must strengthen public safety and support our veterans. Safe communities and honoring those who served are the foundation of stability and trust.

Our greatest challenge is not just fixing what’s broken but building a Michigan where families want to stay, businesses want to grow, and every person has a fair shot at success.

Tell us your favorite joke.

The right direction we need to go with fuels and transportation. Electric vehicles must have options available for other means as well. Energy consumption and availability must be attentive. Michigan has extreme weather conditions and power usage must be a priority to make that happen in the right way.

My favorite joke would be a young boy was in a church and he was looking at the wall of members. So the pastor walks by and he tells the boy that all the people on that wall died in service. The young boy answered him; sir was that the 9 o'clock or the 11 o'clock.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Pete and Repeat are on the edge of a cliff, Pete slips and falls off, who is left?

When and where there is no consensus or there is a draw.

Emergency powers should only be used under extraordinary circumstances when the safety, security, or well-being of Michiganders is at immediate risk and quick, decisive action is necessary. Examples include natural disasters like floods, wildfires, or severe storms; public health crises such as pandemics; large-scale infrastructure failures; or threats to public safety and security.

The governor’s role in these moments is to act swiftly to save lives, protect communities, and stabilize critical systems. I experienced this firsthand as mayor of Cape Coral, when Hurricane Irma—one of the costliest storms in U.S. history—hit. Our preparation and decisive action, taken in close partnership with first responders, saved lives and minimized damage. Michigan deserves the same readiness at the state level.

That said, emergency powers must always come with accountability and transparency. They should be time-limited, subject to oversight, and paired with open communication so the public understands what actions are being taken and why. A governor should never use emergency authority to bypass the legislature unnecessarily or to advance a partisan agenda.

In short, the governor should use emergency powers only when lives and communities are at risk, exercising that authority with restraint, transparency, and respect for both the people and the legislature. Emergencies demand leadership, but they also demand accountability.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

During the time only needed when security, infastructure, or environmental emergency are at risk. During times of litigation when intervention must occur for vetos. This should be the core of emergency power.

Like any good candidate, I see accountability as a priority, but I want to take it beyond that, I want transparency in all of my actions or decisions. I want you to know what I stand for and I want you to know from the start.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

It is crucial to developing a financial budget that works without overspending and keeping funds available to where we need them. Government accountability is important for they are parts of everyone's daily lives. And should not be misrepresented or used wrongfully.

I don't know, I don't have an issue with our current state ballot initiative process so I would guess that I support our current process.

I support Michigan’s ballot initiative process because it gives people a direct voice when Lansing fails to act. But I also believe improvements are needed. Too often, voters face a crowded ballot with confusing or multi-issue proposals. I would support a single-subject rule so initiatives stay clear and focused, stronger transparency about who is funding petitions, and plain-language summaries so voters know exactly what they’re voting on. The process must remain accessible but also transparent, fair, and easy for citizens to understand.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

I believe what is best for the state, and believe a lot of the Michigan needs to remain in the hands of the voting population. Keeping initiative available opportunities to become bills for voting will keep balance to the process.

To me it means responsibility. I like the responsibility of the authority and I take on this position with seriousness and importance. Michigan has been forgotten and I want to bring back its intentions in every one of us starting from the youngest on up.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

With great authority comes great responsibility, and as Governor it would mean that I would uphold the moral fiber and values for the great state of Michigan and the United States of America. Being in that position. I would exercise my rights to be involved with better understanding all walks of life with jobs agriculture education military religion and any other important involvement a Governor may be with.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One of the most memorable stories I’ve ever heard came when I was serving as mayor. A woman called me at home, deeply upset because her water had been shut off. She was behind on her bills, but what struck me most was her desperation—she had an autistic son who needed warm baths to calm him, and without water, she felt completely helpless. Hearing her voice and her struggle broke my heart.

I immediately called the city and had someone go out that day to restore her water service. But it didn’t stop there. When I asked the finance director about payment plan options, I was told we didn’t have any. My response was simple: “Then we will fix that going forward.” And we did.

That experience reminded me why public service matters. It’s not about policies on paper—it’s about people. It’s about listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and making sure government works for them, not against them. That mother’s call has stayed with me as a reminder that leadership is about compassion in action and using your position to make systems more humane and responsive for everyone.

What role should your state’s government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of was serving as the first female mayor of Cape Coral, Florida, one of the ten largest cities in the state. When I took office, the city was struggling financially and trust in government was low. I made transparency and accountability my top priorities, implementing systems so citizens could clearly see how their tax dollars were being spent.

Under my leadership, we secured over a million dollars in grants, strengthened the city’s finances, and increased the commercial tax base by 50%. At the same time, we reduced taxes while actually increasing the level of services residents received. We lowered the millage rate three of the four years I was in office—proving that government can be both efficient and effective.

Another moment that stands out was leading the city through Hurricane Irma, one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. Preparation and coordination with first responders saved lives and protected critical infrastructure. It was a defining reminder that leadership is about being calm under pressure and always putting people first.

That experience taught me that when government is transparent, accountable, and focused on results, communities can be transformed. It’s the same approach I want to bring to Michigan—delivering honest leadership, investing in what matters most, and proving that government can work for the people again.

What legislation would you want to sign related to election administration in your state?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping every sector—from healthcare and education to manufacturing and public safety. Michigan’s government has an important role to play in making sure AI is developed and used responsibly, transparently, and in ways that benefit people, not just corporations.

First, government must ensure accountability and transparency in AI applications. Whether AI is used in hiring, criminal justice, or public services, citizens deserve to know how decisions are made, what data is being used, and how bias is prevented. Clear rules and public oversight are essential to protect civil rights and privacy.

Second, Michigan should embrace AI as a tool for innovation and economic growth. As the birthplace of American manufacturing, our state is uniquely positioned to lead in AI-driven industries like advanced mobility, clean energy, and healthcare technology. State government should partner with universities, entrepreneurs, and businesses to attract investment, train workers, and create good-paying jobs in AI-related fields.

Third, AI must be used to improve government itself—streamlining services, cutting red tape, and increasing transparency in budgeting and contracting. Properly designed, AI can save taxpayer dollars and make government more responsive to the people it serves.

Finally, Michigan has a responsibility to ensure that as AI grows, workers, veterans, and families are not left behind. That means investing in education, retraining programs, and workforce development so our people have the skills to thrive in an AI-powered economy.

In short, the state’s role is to set guardrails that protect citizens, foster innovation that grows jobs, and ensure AI serves the public interest—never replacing the human judgment and accountability that must remain at the heart of democracy.