District 35 candidate forum recap: clear, nonpartisan breakdown of Tunney and Greene on key issues, policies, and priorities.
With two high-stakes elections scheduled just months apart, Michigan’s 35th State Senate District is in the spotlight in 2026, as voters choose both who will fill the current vacancy and who may hold the seat long term.
This recap covers the March 24, 2026 District 35 candidate forum moderated by Chad Livengood of The Detroit News and Zoe Clark of Michigan Public Radio. The moderators led the main questioning for most of the event, then used the final 20 minutes to bring in questions submitted by audience members.
Together, the discussion gave voters a chance to hear both prepared moderator questions and issues raised directly by people in the room.
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Candidates began by sharing their backgrounds and outlining their core reasons for running.
Emphasized a business-focused perspective, drawing on his experience as an attorney and his background in private enterprise. His remarks centered on making state government more business-friendly and limiting its scope.
Highlighted his career in public service, including his work as a fire captain and military service. He framed his campaign around what he described as the need for an “affordable, safe, and free” community, emphasizing issues facing working families.
While both candidates spoke to leadership and public service, their opening statements reflected different professional paths and life experiences—one rooted in business and law, the other in military and emergency service—which shaped how they described the role of government and their priorities for the district.
Question: Michigan has some of the lowest reading scores among K–12 students in the country. What can you, as a state senator, do to restore literacy success in Michigan?
The forum opened with a focus on literacy—an issue that continues to come up in statewide discussions about education. Michigan has ranked near the bottom nationally for reading proficiency, particularly in early grades, making it a foundational concern for both economic outcomes and long-term student success.
Early literacy is often emphasized because third-grade reading is widely considered a key milestone. Students who are not reading proficiently by that point may face increasing challenges across subjects as coursework becomes more reading-dependent.
Tunney focused his response on accountability and measurement, pointing to other states as models.
Key points from his response included:
His answer centered on the idea that clearer standards and consistent measurement can help identify problems and drive improvement.
While Mississippi is often cited for its reading gains, its approach has included multiple strategies beyond testing alone, such as:
The third-grade reading requirement is one part of a broader system.
Greene focused on the conditions that affect a student’s ability to learn, emphasizing system investment and support.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized that literacy outcomes are closely tied to whether students’ basic needs are met and whether schools have the resources to support learning.
While both candidates identified the same underlying problem—low reading proficiency—they approached it from different angles:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What combination of accountability, instruction, and student support is most likely to improve literacy outcomes—and what role should each play?
The question asked what each candidate could do as a state senator. Their answers point to different priorities—but also to different ways the role can be used.
Based on their responses:
If focusing on accountability and measurement (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on resources and student support (as Greene described), a state senator could:
In both cases, the role centers on passing laws and directing funding, rather than directly managing schools.
Question:
How would you vote on making free breakfast and lunch for all public school students in Michigan permanent?
This question centers on whether Michigan should continue providing free breakfast and lunch to all public school students, regardless of household income.
The policy has been debated at the state level as part of the budget process. Supporters argue it ensures all students have consistent access to food, while critics question whether a universal approach is the most effective use of state funding.
School meals are often discussed alongside academic outcomes, as research and educator experience suggest that students who are hungry may have more difficulty focusing, learning, and participating in class.
Tunney focused his response on how funding is distributed and whether a universal program is necessary.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized local control and targeted use of resources, rather than a one-size-fits-all statewide policy. His approach raises questions about how funding should be distributed—and whether decisions are best made at the state or local level.
Greene focused his response on student need within the district and the role of school meals in supporting learning.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized that consistent access to food is a foundational support for students and that statewide policies can help ensure no student falls through gaps based on income or location.
Both candidates addressed the same policy but focused on different concerns:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
Should school meal programs be designed to reach all students equally, or targeted based on income and district need—and who should decide how those resources are used?
This issue is decided through the state budget and legislation, meaning state senators play a direct role in whether programs like this are created, expanded, or limited.
If focusing on a targeted, local-control approach (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on a universal support approach (as Greene described), a state senator could:
In this case, a state senator’s role is direct: they help decide whether programs like free school meals are funded, how broadly they apply, and how resources are distributed across districts.
Question:
What should be done to address the cost of higher education?
The cost of higher education continues to be a concern for many Michigan families, particularly as tuition, fees, and student debt have increased over time.
At the same time, policymakers often connect higher education to workforce development—especially in fields like skilled trades, healthcare, and technology—raising questions about both affordability and access.
This makes it a common topic in state-level discussions, as lawmakers influence funding for public universities, community colleges, and workforce programs.
Tunney focused his response on reducing costs by restructuring how higher education systems operate.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized cost reduction through efficiency—suggesting that lowering institutional expenses could help reduce the overall cost of education.
Some elements of his response, such as dual enrollment and credit transfer, are commonly discussed across political perspectives as ways to lower costs and expand access.
Greene focused on affordability and access, while referencing existing programs and workforce connections.
Key points from his response included:
His response connected education policy to broader economic goals, particularly workforce development and retention.
Both candidates acknowledged that higher education costs are a challenge, but their responses highlighted different approaches:
At the same time, both referenced ideas—like dual enrollment and credit transfer—that are often discussed across perspectives.
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What combination of cost reduction, access programs, and workforce alignment is most likely to make higher education more affordable and effective?
State senators influence higher education primarily through funding decisions, policy requirements, and statewide programs.
If focusing on cost reduction and system efficiency (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on access and workforce connection (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While universities manage their own programs and operations, state lawmakers play a key role in shaping affordability through funding, policy requirements, and statewide initiatives.
Question:
What should be done to improve road funding, particularly for local roads?
Road funding is a persistent issue across Michigan, especially in communities where residents regularly experience deteriorating local streets.
One reason this issue can be confusing is that not all roads are funded the same way. State highways and major roads receive funding through different mechanisms than local roads, which rely more heavily on local funding sources and allocations from the state.
This distinction often shapes the debate: even when overall transportation funding increases, local communities may still struggle to maintain neighborhood roads.
Tunney focused his response on economic growth as the primary solution to road funding challenges.
Key points from his response included:
His approach centers on increasing available resources by expanding the local economy, rather than changing how road funding is structured.
Greene focused on the structure of road funding and the challenges faced at the local level.
Key points from his response included:
His response focused more directly on how funding is distributed and the constraints local communities face in maintaining roads.
Both candidates pointed to a similar underlying challenge: Local communities often lack sufficient funding to maintain roads.
However, they approached the issue from different angles:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
Is improving road conditions primarily a question of generating more revenue, changing how funds are distributed, or a combination of both?
Road funding is largely determined through the state budget and transportation policy, meaning state senators play a key role in how funds are distributed.
If focusing on economic growth (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on funding structure and local needs (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While local governments maintain many roads, state lawmakers play a central role in determining how transportation funding is generated and distributed across Michigan.
Question:
What should be done to help bring jobs to the region and support economic growth?
Economic development is a central issue in many parts of Michigan, particularly in regions that have experienced population decline, job loss, or shifts in major industries.
Job availability affects not only individual income, but also the local tax base, funding for public services, and long-term community stability. As a result, discussions about jobs are often closely tied to broader issues like infrastructure, education, and population trends.
This makes it a common focus in state and local policymaking, especially in areas working to attract or retain employers.
Tunney focused his response on reducing barriers for businesses and making Michigan more competitive.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized that lowering costs and regulatory burdens could attract more businesses to the state, which in turn could increase job opportunities and economic activity.
Greene focused his response on workforce development and strengthening existing industries.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized building on existing strengths in the region’s workforce and creating pathways into stable, skilled employment.
Both candidates emphasized the importance of job creation but approached it from different angles:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
Is job growth more effectively driven by making a state more attractive to employers, strengthening the local workforce, or a combination of both?
State senators influence economic development through tax policy, regulation, and workforce investment.
If focusing on a business climate approach (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on workforce and industry development (as Greene described), a state senator could:
State lawmakers do not directly create jobs, but they shape the conditions—through policy, funding, and incentives—that influence where businesses locate and how workers are trained.
Question:
What is your position on bringing data centers to the region, and how should they be regulated?
Data centers have become a growing topic in Michigan as communities consider new economic development opportunities tied to technology and infrastructure.
Supporters often point to the potential for job creation and investment, while concerns have been raised about energy use, water consumption, environmental impact, and local control.
Because of these tradeoffs, policymakers are often asked to balance economic benefits with safeguards for communities and natural resources.
Tunney expressed support for data centers, while emphasizing transparency and local control.
Key points from his response included:
His response focused on ensuring that development decisions remain transparent and that local communities have a clear role in the process.
Greene also expressed support for data centers, with a focus on safeguards and environmental protections.
Key points from his response included:
His response focused on balancing economic development with environmental and community protections.
In this case, both candidates expressed general support for data center development, while highlighting the need for safeguards.
Their responses suggest shared priorities around:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What types of safeguards should be in place to ensure that new development projects benefit communities while minimizing long-term risks?
State senators influence projects like data centers through policy, regulation, and oversight, rather than direct approval of individual developments.
If focusing on transparency and local control (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on safeguards and environmental protections (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While local governments often approve specific projects, state lawmakers shape the rules, incentives, and protections that determine how developments like data centers are planned and managed.
Question:
Do you support changes to the minimum wage, and what should be done to help workers earn a livable income?
Wages and cost of living are ongoing concerns for many Michigan residents, particularly as housing, food, and other everyday expenses have increased.
Minimum wage policy is often debated as one tool to address income levels. Supporters argue it can help workers keep up with rising costs, while critics raise concerns about its impact on businesses, hiring, and prices.
Because wage policy directly affects both workers and employers, it remains a central issue in state-level economic discussions.
Tunney focused his response on limiting government involvement in wage setting.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized market-driven wages and reducing costs through tax policy, rather than increasing mandated wage levels.
Greene focused his response on income levels and cost of living for workers in the district.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized raising wage floors as a way to address affordability and economic stability for workers.
This issue reflects a clear difference in approach:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What is the most effective way to improve financial stability for workers—raising wages directly, reducing taxes, or a combination of both?
State senators play a direct role in wage policy through legislation and tax decisions.
If focusing on a market-driven approach (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on wage increases (as Greene described), a state senator could:
In this case, state lawmakers have a direct role: they determine minimum wage laws and tax policy, both of which shape how much workers earn and keep.
Question:
How would you rate the performance of DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, and would you accept campaign donations from their political committees?
This question brings together two areas that often intersect in state government: utility performance and campaign finance.
State-regulated utilities like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy influence everyday costs for residents, including energy rates and service reliability. These companies also participate in the political process through donations to candidates and committees.
By combining these topics, the question highlights a key consideration for voters: how policymakers oversee industries that both affect daily life and contribute to political campaigns.
Tunney focused his response on independence in decision-making and skepticism of government spending and policy.
Key points from his response included:
His response focused more broadly on fiscal policy and government decision-making, rather than directly addressing utility performance or campaign finance specifics.
Greene gave a more direct response regarding campaign donations.
Key points from his response included:
His response focused specifically on the source of campaign funding and maintaining separation from industry influence.
This question highlights a broader issue beyond a single industry:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
How should voters evaluate the role of campaign donations in policymaking—and what level of transparency or limits should be expected?
State senators play a role in both campaign finance laws and industry regulation, which can intersect.
If focusing on broader fiscal and policy independence (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on limiting influence (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While campaign donations are regulated by law, state lawmakers help shape both the rules around political funding and the policies that affect industries like energy.
Question:
With a potential budget shortfall, would you support using money from the state’s rainy day fund to balance the budget? If not, what alternatives would you propose?
Michigan is required to pass a balanced budget each year, meaning lawmakers must find ways to match spending with available revenue.
When there is a potential shortfall, policymakers have a limited set of options:
The rainy day fund is designed to help stabilize the budget during economic downturns or unexpected gaps. However, there is often debate about when it should be used and how quickly it should be replenished.
Tunney focused his response on reducing spending and avoiding the use of reserve funds.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized fiscal restraint and the idea that budget gaps should be addressed by reducing spending rather than drawing from reserves.
Greene focused his response on maintaining a balanced budget while keeping services funded.
Key points from his response included:
His approach emphasized maintaining services while ensuring the state meets its balanced budget requirement.
This issue reflects a common budget tradeoff:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
When facing a budget shortfall, should the state prioritize reducing spending, using reserve funds, or a combination of both?
State senators play a central role in the budget process, including how gaps are addressed.
If focusing on spending reductions (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on maintaining services (as Greene described), a state senator could:
In this case, state lawmakers make the decision directly—how to close a budget gap, whether to use reserves, and what tradeoffs are made in the process.
Question:
What would you prioritize during the short term in office, and do you plan to run again for a full term?
This race is unusual because it fills a temporary vacancy, meaning the elected candidate would serve a shortened term before another election later in the year.
That creates a different kind of expectation: voters are not just evaluating long-term ideas, but also what can realistically be accomplished in a limited timeframe.
It also raises questions about continuity—whether the candidate plans to remain in the role beyond the short-term appointment.
Tunney focused his response on representation and structural accountability.
Key points from his response included:
His response centered on restoring consistent representation and addressing gaps in how vacancies are handled.
Greene focused his response on immediate legislative priorities and continuity of service.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized using the limited time in office to engage directly in active policy decisions and maintain continuity for the district.
Both candidates acknowledged the urgency of the role but framed priorities differently:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
In a short-term role, is it more important to focus on structural fixes or immediate policy decisions—and how should voters weigh those priorities?
Even in a shortened term, a state senator has full authority to participate in the legislative process.
If focusing on structural and process changes (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on immediate policy engagement (as Greene described), a state senator could:
Even within a limited timeframe, state lawmakers can influence both immediate policy decisions and longer-term structural changes, depending on how they prioritize their role.
Question:
What is your position on marijuana policy in Michigan?
Marijuana is already legal for recreational use in Michigan, but policy discussions continue around regulation, taxation, enforcement, and local control.
State lawmakers still play a role in shaping how marijuana is managed, including decisions about business regulation, public safety, and how tax revenue is used.
This makes it an ongoing policy issue rather than a settled one.
Tunney focused his response on concerns about taxation, regulation, and unintended consequences of current marijuana policy.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized that excessive taxation and regulation can undermine the intended outcomes of legalization, particularly if legal markets become less competitive than unregulated alternatives.
Greene focused his response on the role of marijuana policy in generating revenue and supporting communities.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized the role of marijuana as part of the state’s broader economic system, particularly how tax revenue can be used to fund public needs.
While marijuana legalization is already in place, the candidates highlighted different perspectives on how it should be managed:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What balance should be struck between personal freedom and government regulation when managing legalized substances?
Even with legalization in place, state senators influence marijuana policy through regulation, taxation, and oversight.
If focusing on limited government involvement (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on regulation and safety (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While marijuana is already legal in Michigan, state lawmakers continue to shape how it is regulated, taxed, and integrated into communities.
Question:
What is your position on the role of state agencies like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)?
State agencies like the DNR and EGLE play a major role in managing Michigan’s natural resources, environmental protections, and land use decisions.
Their work can affect issues such as water quality, hunting and fishing regulations, land development, and environmental permitting. Because of this, they are often at the center of debates about regulation, economic development, and conservation.
For many communities, the question is not whether these agencies should exist—but how much authority they should have and how they should operate.
Tunney focused his response on limiting the authority of state agencies and protecting property rights.
Key points from his response included:
His response reflected concern about how agency authority is applied in practice, particularly when it affects landowners.
Greene focused his response on setting clear boundaries around agency authority.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized establishing clear legal standards for when and how agencies can access private land.
This issue reflects a familiar policy tension:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
How should the state balance enforcement of environmental laws with protections for private property rights?
State senators influence agencies like DNR and EGLE through laws, budgets, and oversight.
If focusing on limiting agency authority (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on maintaining oversight and protections (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While agencies carry out day-to-day work, state lawmakers determine the rules, authority, and funding that shape how agencies like DNR and EGLE operate.
Question:
What should be done to promote public safety in the district?
Public safety is often discussed in terms of policing and emergency response, but it can also include broader factors such as mental health, economic stability, and community conditions.
At the state level, lawmakers influence public safety through funding, policy decisions, and support for local systems.
This question often reveals how candidates define the root causes of safety issues—and what kinds of solutions they prioritize.
Tunney focused his response on enforcement and consequences.
Key points from his response included:
His response reflected a view that public safety is best addressed through enforcement and the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving repeat or serious offenses.
Greene focused his response on prevention and community-based approaches.
Key points from his response included:
His response reflected a view that public safety includes both emergency response and addressing underlying factors that can contribute to crime.
This question highlighted two different ways of approaching public safety:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What role should mental health and community conditions play in public safety—and how should those approaches work alongside enforcement?
Public safety is largely implemented at the local level, but state lawmakers shape the system through funding and policy.
If focusing on enforcement (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on prevention and support (as Greene described), a state senator could:
While local agencies carry out public safety work, state lawmakers determine how resources are allocated—and which approaches are prioritized.
Question:
What is your position on red flag laws?
Red flag laws—also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)—allow a court to temporarily restrict access to firearms for individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.
Supporters argue these laws can help prevent violence and provide a tool for intervention in crisis situations. Critics raise concerns about due process, individual rights, and how determinations are made.
Because these laws involve both public safety and constitutional rights, they are often a focus of debate at the state level.
Tunney focused his response on constitutional rights and concerns about due process.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized individual control and limiting government authority, particularly in private settings.
Greene focused his response on safety and prevention.
Key points from his response included:
His response emphasized prevention and safe handling practices alongside policy measures.
This exchange highlighted a more specific contrast in how each candidate views responsibility and safety:
For voters, this raises a broader question worth considering:
What role, if any, should the state play in setting expectations for how firearms are stored or handled in private homes?
State senators play a direct role in shaping laws like red flag policies.
If focusing on limiting such laws (as Tunney described), a state senator could:
If focusing on implementing or strengthening such laws (as Greene described), a state senator could:
In this area, state lawmakers directly determine whether such laws exist, how they are structured, and what safeguards are included.
Across the forum, both candidates addressed many of the same issues—education, jobs, infrastructure, public safety—but often approached them from different starting points.
In several areas, the contrast came down to how each candidate views the role of government:
In other areas, there was more alignment than difference. Both candidates, for example, expressed support for economic growth, workforce development, and certain education strategies like dual enrollment—though they framed those priorities differently.
Some of the clearest contrasts emerged in how each candidate defined responsibility:
At the same time, several responses raised practical questions about implementation—what policies would look like in practice, and how they would be carried out through the legislative process.
Throughout the forum, one theme remained consistent: State senators do not directly run schools, fix roads, or manage local services—but they make decisions about laws, funding, and priorities that shape how those systems function.
For voters, the takeaway is less about any single answer and more about understanding the patterns across them:
As the election approaches, these distinctions may help guide how voters evaluate not just what was said—but how each candidate approaches the responsibilities of the role.