Six candidates are running for Michigan's First Congressional District seat in the primary election on Aug. 4. The seat is currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, who is running for a fifth term.
WCMU Public Media sent a questionnaire to all six of the candidates in this race on July 9, asking for their views on different issues impacting the region.
Justin Michal is one of three Republican candidates in the race. His responses are listed below.
Methodology: The same survey was sent to all seven candidates. Each response was thoroughly reviewed for grammar and accuracy. We also included links and/or editor's notes for additional information.
Residents throughout the district are most concerned about affordability. What legislative ideas do you have to make life more affordable in northern Michigan?
"Focus legislative priorities on tax breaks for small businesses and expanding access to capital for businesses operating, expanding, or opening in our rural communities."
Many communities have been affected by PFAS contamination, including Oscoda and Grayling. Residents there are upset after the Department of Defense recently announced that clean-up efforts would be delayed for five more years. What actions can be done in Congress to address people's concerns about the clean-up timeline?
"Clean water needs to be a priority at the federal level, not an afterthought. As someone who was raised in the PFAS plume in Grayling, my eagerness to prioritize PFAS restoration projects in our District is an understatement. The government has not accepted accountability or responsibility for their participation in contamination, which is a travesty. We must do better. We will do better."
How should the federal government involve communities when making decisions about implementing AI data centers?
"Communities should have the final say in whether or not AI data centers are welcomed. Congressional representation should be available to support communities by giving them the resources necessary to make educated decisions about their communities. Communities should always have the autonomy to determine what is best for them."
After two years of floods and ice storms, what do you think the federal government should do to help prepare northern counties for future disasters?
"Pass and support the DISASTER Relief Act, a bill written by me. This gives people the ability to control their own destiny, without the disappointment of government letdowns and broken promises."
Several dams across northern Michigan were at risk of failing after historic floods this spring. How should Congress address improving the district's dam infrastructure?
"When dam structures are privately owned, or operated at a county or state level, it is difficult to acquire resources at the federal level to assist. Fighting for infrastructure funding at the federal level for our district will always remain a priority as long as it fits in a federal budget what is fiscally sound."
Last year, President Donald Trump called a national energy emergency which would accelerate the permitting for different projects regarding oil, power and gas. Line 5 was one of the first projects chosen to fast track the decision to reconstruct a tunnel. Do you back the Trump Administration's assessment in declaring this emergency and fast-tracking of the tunnel permitting process?
"Yes, I support this decision. Line 5 is a necessity for the Upper Peninsula and needs to be completed."
Housing costs are another major concern for voters. Experts say one way to help the market is to build more housing units. How can Congress make it easier for contractors to build more homes, or do you believe other solutions are necessary to alleviate the cost of housing?
"Spending at the federal level is devaluing the dollar, decreasing our purchasing power, and driving up costs. In addition, personal greed is contributing to the rise of housing prices, driving them through the roof in most of our District. Everyone wants affordable housing when they are purchasing, but no one wants affordable housing when they are selling. Homeowners have a choice to sell for less, but they choose not to do so. Overcome greed in America, and you will have solved some major issues in this country."
What role should American foreign policy play moving forward in Iran?
"The Iran Conflict is much more complex than nuclear weapon technology, nuclear dust, and the funding of terrorism abroad. Iran harbors the second largest oil and third largest natural gas reserves in the world. The petrol dollar vs. petrol yuan fight has just begun, and peace does not look like a feasible option in the foreseeable future as a result of this predicament. Currently, Iran has no incentive to agree to terms with the United States. Any deal with Iran will most likely cost American taxpayers tens of billions, if not hundreds of billions of dollars, in restitution."
Editor's note: Iran harbors the third largest oil and second largest natural gas reserves in the world, according to the 2025 World Oil Outlook put together by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Currently, Venezuela has the largest oil reserve and Saudi Arabia sits at second place. Russia currently sits as the largest natural gas reserve in the world.
