2026 Catholic Voter Guide

Michigan

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov. 3
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Online and mail registration closed Oct. 19; eligible voters may still register in person at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on Election Day with proof of residency. Early in-person voting runs Oct. 24 – Nov. 1, 2026. Absentee ballots must reach the local clerk by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
Michigan · 2026

U.S. Senate

Open seat (Gary Peters retiring).

Download printable PDF ↓
Abdul El-Sayed
Democrat · Open seat
Physician and epidemiologist; former Detroit health director and Wayne County health director.
Campaign website ↗
Mike Rogers
Republican · Open seat
Former U.S. Representative and House Intelligence Committee chairman; former Army officer and FBI special agent.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Abdul El-Sayed
Opposes the Iran war and demands “an immediate end to the hostilities,” favoring diplomacy like the JCPOA. Supports an immediate arms embargo on Israel, calls Gaza a genocide, and backs supporting Ukraine against Russia.
[1] Abdul for Senate: Sensible Foreign Policy
Mike Rogers
Initially backed U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran but now says “we need [the war] to come to an end.” Supports continued weapons aid to Israel, saying it has “the right to defend itself.”
[1] Michigan Public: Rogers, El-Sayed debate (Oct. 9, 2026)[2] Al Jazeera: First debate takeaways (Oct. 9, 2026)
Record in office
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed
Supports AI guardrails, frontier-model safety testing and opposing federal preemption of state laws. For workers displaced by automation, backs exploring wage insurance and basic income and a stronger union voice.
[1] Abdul for Senate: Artificial Intelligence; Jobs and Trade
Mike Rogers
Criticized GM’s stock buyback after EV losses as putting “profits over people” and pledged to “fight for auto jobs and Michigan manufacturing.” No specific AI policy found.
[1] Rogers for Senate: Statement on GM stock buyback (Oct. 2026)
Record in office
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Abdul El-Sayed
Lists passing Medicare for All among his top Senate priorities; also proposes abolishing medical debt and taxing billionaire wealth.
[1] Abdul for Senate: Priorities[2] Abdul for Senate: Money in Your Pocket
Mike Rogers
Health plan calls for price transparency, expanded TrumpRx drug purchasing and penalties for insurers with excessive denials. Has floated ending no-cost preventive care under the ACA and recreating high-risk pools.
[1] Rogers for Senate: Healthcare plan[2] Bridge Michigan: Rogers floats copays, high-risk pools (Apr. 2026)
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed
Supports abortion rights and would “codify the rights once protected by Roe v. Wade into federal law”; opposes efforts to criminalize certain medications.
[1] Abdul for Senate: Medicare for All / Healthcare Freedom
Mike Rogers
Says he supported overturning Roe v. Wade and would back a permanent ban on federal abortion funding, but does not favor a full national abortion ban, citing Michigan’s 2022 Proposal 3 vote.
[1] Mining Gazette: Rogers makes Senate campaign stop in Houghton
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Abdul El-Sayed
No public position found.
Mike Rogers
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed
Calls for abolishing ICE and replacing it with a new enforcement structure, repurposing its funds toward immigration courts and “a clear pathway to citizenship.” In debate said ICE “is about terrorising our streets.”
[1] Abdul for Senate: Immigration[2] Al Jazeera: First debate takeaways (Oct. 9, 2026)
Mike Rogers
Defends ICE enforcement and Trump administration deportations of people committing crimes: “Find those folks who are committing crimes and get them the heck out of the country.” Said Minnesota operations were “probably not appropriate.”
[1] Al Jazeera: Michigan Senate debate takeaways (Oct. 22, 2026)[2] Al Jazeera: First debate takeaways (Oct. 9, 2026)
Record in office
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed
Opposes “efforts to privatize public education through vouchers” and backs public K–12 funding. In his 2018 governor run, proposed phasing out for-profit charter schools while accepting nonprofit charters. No stated position on conscience protections found.
[1] Abdul for Senate: Education[2] Michigan Public: El-Sayed education plan (2018)
Mike Rogers
As a U.S. Representative, voted in 2011 for the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, which funds private-school vouchers in Washington, D.C.
[1] House Roll Call 204 (2011): SOAR Act
Record in office
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Abdul El-Sayed
Would codify the EPA’s greenhouse-gas Endangerment Finding into law, strengthen air-quality standards and NEPA, and make environmental justice a mandate for federal agencies.
[1] Abdul for Senate: Environment and Natural Resources
Mike Rogers
Argues renewable-energy mandates drove up Michigan energy costs; supports an “all of the above” approach prioritizing domestic production, and opposes renewables when “not good common sense.”
[1] Bridge Michigan: Senate candidates clash over clean power future (June 2026)
Record in office
Michigan · 2026

Governor

Open seat (Gretchen Whitmer term-limited).

Download printable PDF ↓
Jocelyn Benson
Democrat · Open seat
Michigan Secretary of State since 2019.
Campaign website ↗
John James
Republican · Open seat
U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 10th District since 2023; Army veteran and businessman.
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Jocelyn Benson
Called on John James and President Trump to end the Iran war, criticizing James’s vote against a war powers resolution and citing fuel costs for Michiganders.
[1] Benson campaign: Statement on James Iran war vote
John James
Voted against House resolutions to end U.S. hostilities with Iran in March, June and September 2026, and against the Ukraine Support Act (2026).
[1] House Roll Call 85 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[2] House Roll Call 199 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[3] House Roll Call 307 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[4] House Roll Call 207 (2026): Ukraine Support Act
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Jocelyn Benson
Proposes a moratorium on new data centers until rules require open negotiation with communities, no tax breaks, paying for their own power, and union contracts. Endorsed by the Michigan AFL-CIO.
[1] Benson campaign: Data Centers[2] Benson campaign: Michigan AFL-CIO endorsement
John James
On data centers, calls for “local control” and says they must not raise electric bills; wants the Michigan Economic Development Corporation audited and reformed. Voted against the Faster Labor Contracts Act (2026).
[1] Spectrum News: James on key issues (June 2026)[2] House Roll Call 216 (2026): Faster Labor Contracts Act
Voting record
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Jocelyn Benson
Pledges to fix the state health department, expand low- or no-cost preventive care, create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, pass a $5,000 caregiver tax credit and bring Rx Kids cash aid statewide; criticizes federal Medicaid cuts.
[1] Benson campaign: Healthcare[2] Benson campaign: Affordability
John James
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which extended tax cuts and reduced projected Medicaid and SNAP spending. Has called for repealing the ACA.
[1] House Roll Call 190 (2025): One Big Beautiful Bill Act[2] OnTheIssues: John James
Voting record
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Jocelyn Benson
Supports abortion rights; backed the 2022 constitutional amendment and repeal of the 1931 abortion ban, and says the next governor will determine whether Michigan “strengthens protections and access to care.”
[1] Benson campaign: Detroit News op-ed on Dobbs anniversary (June 2026)
John James
Has described himself as “100% pro-life.” In Congress voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (2025) and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (2026).
[1] House Roll Call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act[2] House Roll Call 37 (2026): Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act[3] OnTheIssues: John James
Voting record
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Jocelyn Benson
No public position found.
John James
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Jocelyn Benson
No public position found.
John James
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (2025), requiring detention of undocumented immigrants charged with certain crimes, and for the 2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
[1] House Roll Call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act[2] House Roll Call 87 (2026): DHS Appropriations Act, 2026
Voting record
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Jocelyn Benson
No public position found.
John James
Has supported school choice, including public money for private schools, in past campaigns.
[1] OnTheIssues: John James
Voting record
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Jocelyn Benson
Says “clean, renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy,” pledges to protect the Great Lakes and hold polluters accountable, and refuses contributions from energy companies.
[1] Benson campaign: Environment[2] Benson campaign: Energy Costs
John James
Says data-center developers must protect water — “Take care of my water. No pollution.” — and prioritize brownfields over farmland. Previously said the Green New Deal would “decimate” Michigan’s economy.
[1] Spectrum News: James on key issues (June 2026)[2] OnTheIssues: John James
Voting record
Michigan · 2026

U.S. House, District 4

Incumbent Republican Bill Huizenga faces Democratic state Sen. Sean McCann.

Download printable PDF ↓
Bill Huizenga
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2011; small business owner and former state representative.
Campaign website ↗
Sean McCann
Democrat · Challenger
Michigan state senator from Kalamazoo; former Kalamazoo city commissioner.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Bill Huizenga
Voted against every 2026 House resolution to end U.S. hostilities with Iran, and against the Ukraine Support Act (2026).
[1] House Roll Call 85 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[2] House Roll Call 199 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[3] House Roll Call 307 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[4] House Roll Call 207 (2026): Ukraine Support Act
Voting record
Sean McCann
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Bill Huizenga
Introduced the Deterring American AI Model Theft Act to sanction foreign theft of U.S. AI models. Voted against the Faster Labor Contracts Act (2026).
[1] Huizenga: AI model theft bill release[2] House Roll Call 216 (2026): Faster Labor Contracts Act
Voting record
Sean McCann
Prioritizes manufacturing investment and good-paying jobs, blaming tariffs for plant closures; supports “Right to Repair” for farmers. No specific AI policy found.
[1] McCann campaign: Issues
Record in office
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Bill Huizenga
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which reduced projected Medicaid and SNAP spending. Says “Obamacare has failed” and favors HSAs with pre-existing condition protections.
[1] House Roll Call 190 (2025): One Big Beautiful Bill Act[2] Huizenga official site: Health Care
Voting record
Sean McCann
Calls a vote “to expand access to Medicaid” one of his proudest in the Legislature; opposes the 2025 federal Medicaid cuts and would extend ACA tax credits and lower drug costs.
[1] McCann campaign: Issues
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Bill Huizenga
Member of the pro-life caucus; supports ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood and voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (2025).
[1] Huizenga official site: Family, Life and Adoption[2] House Roll Call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
Voting record
Sean McCann
Supports abortion rights; voted in the state Senate to repeal Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and served on the board of Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan.
[1] McCann campaign: Issues
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Bill Huizenga
No public position found.
Sean McCann
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Bill Huizenga
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (2025). Introduced the Deport the Terrorists Act to speed deportation of naturalized citizens convicted of terrorism.
[1] House Roll Call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act[2] Huizenga: Deport the Terrorists Act release
Voting record
Sean McCann
Supports a secure border with legal pathways; pledges to “overhaul ICE and hold agents accountable for illegal actions.”
[1] McCann campaign: Issues
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Bill Huizenga
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Sean McCann
Strongly supports public school funding and says billionaires such as Betsy DeVos “who want to take away funding from public education are wrong.”
[1] McCann campaign: Issues
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Bill Huizenga
Supports an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy; Republican co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force and leads efforts to fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
[1] Huizenga official site: Energy[2] Huizenga official site: Great Lakes
Voting record
Sean McCann
Backs solar, wind and nuclear energy, supported funding to reopen the Palisades nuclear plant, and opposes keeping aging coal plants open.
[1] McCann campaign: Issues
Record in office
Michigan · 2026

U.S. House, District 7

First-term Republican Tom Barrett faces Democrat William Lawrence, who won a three-way primary in August 2026.

Download printable PDF ↓
Tom Barrett
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2025; 22-year Army veteran and helicopter pilot; former state legislator.
Campaign website ↗
William Lawrence
Democrat · Challenger
Lansing community organizer; Sunrise Movement co-founder and founder of a Michigan tenant-rights coalition.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Tom Barrett
Voted against Iran war powers resolutions in March and April 2026, then for them in May, June, July and September 2026. Voted against the Ukraine Support Act (2026).
[1] House Roll Call 85 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[2] House Roll Call 114 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[3] House Roll Call 199 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[4] House Roll Call 307 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[5] House Roll Call 207 (2026): Ukraine Support Act
Voting record
William Lawrence
Calls for ending the Iran war and says “we must stop arming Israel,” describing Gaza as a genocide; opposes what he calls “endless war.”
[1] Lawrence campaign: Platform[2] Michigan Public: Meet William Lawrence (July 2026)
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Tom Barrett
Introduced the AI Governance and Emerging Threats Act to create a Cabinet-level AI threats office, saying “we are already seeing it replace American jobs.” Voted against the Faster Labor Contracts Act (2026).
[1] Barrett: AI legislation release[2] House Roll Call 216 (2026): Faster Labor Contracts Act
Voting record
William Lawrence
Calls for regulating AI and a federal moratorium on new data centers; supports the PRO Act to make unionizing easier.
[1] Lawrence campaign: Platform[2] Michigan Public: Meet William Lawrence (July 2026)
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Tom Barrett
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which extended tax cuts and reduced projected Medicaid and SNAP spending.
[1] House Roll Call 190 (2025): One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Voting record
William Lawrence
Supports Medicare for All, a federal tenant bill of rights, “Housing First” homelessness policy and a billionaire minimum tax; criticizes Barrett’s vote for 2025 Medicaid cuts.
[1] Lawrence campaign: Platform
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Tom Barrett
Voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (2025) and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (2026).
[1] House Roll Call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act[2] House Roll Call 37 (2026): Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act
Voting record
William Lawrence
No public position found.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Tom Barrett
No public position found.
William Lawrence
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Tom Barrett
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (2025) and the 2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
[1] House Roll Call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act[2] House Roll Call 87 (2026): DHS Appropriations Act, 2026
Voting record
William Lawrence
Criticizes “masked unidentified agents in American cities, kidnapping people” and says the government must “stop separating families.”
[1] Michigan Public: Meet William Lawrence (July 2026)
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Tom Barrett
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
William Lawrence
Platform calls for standing “strong for the principle of public education at every level.” No stated position on vouchers or conscience protections found.
[1] Lawrence campaign: Platform
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Tom Barrett
Supports expanding domestic energy production, refinery capacity and pipelines, and pausing diesel exports to lower prices; highlighted PFAS research with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
[1] Barrett: Release with EPA Administrator Zeldin
Voting record
William Lawrence
Longtime climate activist who pledges federal investment to “secure the climate,” adapt to climate change and lower electric bills.
[1] Lawrence campaign: Platform
Michigan · 2026

U.S. House, District 8

First-term Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet faces Republican Thomas J. Smith, who won the GOP primary despite having suspended his campaign.

Download printable PDF ↓
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2025; former Michigan state senator and Bay City commissioner.
Campaign website ↗
Thomas J. Smith
Republican · Challenger
Retired General Motors engineer and salsa company owner; won the GOP primary after suspending his campaign in July.
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Voted for 2026 resolutions to end U.S. hostilities with Iran, calling it a “reckless and unstrategic war,” and voted for the Ukraine Support Act (2026).
[1] McDonald Rivet: Statement on Iran war powers resolution[2] House Roll Call 282 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[3] House Roll Call 207 (2026): Ukraine Support Act
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Urged the Trump administration to negotiate global AI rules with China that “protect people’s jobs, safety, and opportunities”; leads a push to end tax breaks for data centers.
[1] McDonald Rivet: AI cooperation release[2] McDonald Rivet: Data center tax breaks release
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law; introduced the Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026 to reverse its SNAP and heating-aid cuts. Supports a Medicare buy-in option.
[1] House Roll Call 190 (2025): One Big Beautiful Bill Act[2] McDonald Rivet: Affordable Food and Energy Act release[3] McDonald Rivet campaign: Healthcare
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (2025) and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (2026).
[1] House Roll Call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act[2] House Roll Call 37 (2026): Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Kristen McDonald Rivet
No public position found.
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (2025), breaking with most Democrats, and against the 2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
[1] House Roll Call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act[2] House Roll Call 87 (2026): DHS Appropriations Act, 2026
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Kristen McDonald Rivet
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Broke with most Democrats to vote to repeal California’s vehicle-emissions waivers, citing auto jobs; co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force.
[1] McDonald Rivet: Statement on California EV mandate vote[2] McDonald Rivet official site: Health
Voting record
Thomas J. Smith
No public position found.
Michigan · 2026

U.S. House, District 10

Open seat (John James running for governor). Republican Michael Bouchard faces Democrat Christina Hines.

Download printable PDF ↓
Michael Bouchard
Republican · Open seat
Army captain who served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions and the Michigan Army National Guard; Bronze Star recipient.
Campaign website ↗
Christina Hines
Democrat · Open seat
Former assistant prosecutor in Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Michael Bouchard
Says “peace through strength isn’t just a slogan to me”; on the current war, said “People want the war to end.”
[1] CBS Detroit: Bouchard announces candidacy[2] Fox 11 / Sinclair: Bouchard interview (Oct. 2026)
Christina Hines
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Michael Bouchard
Supports Trump’s efforts to “protect Michigan manufacturing,” bringing manufacturing jobs home and cutting regulations on small businesses. No specific AI or labor policy found.
[1] Bouchard campaign: Where Mike Stands
Christina Hines
Supports the PRO Act to make it easier to form unions, a higher federal minimum wage and expanded paid family leave. No specific AI policy found.
[1] Branch: Christina Hines profile
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Michael Bouchard
On health care, supports hospital price transparency and most-favored-nation drug pricing; blames housing costs on “overburdensome regulation.”
[1] Fox 11 / Sinclair: Bouchard interview (Oct. 2026)
Christina Hines
Calls health care “a human right”; would cap premiums and out-of-pocket costs, expand the ACA, Medicare and Medicaid, and criticizes federal Medicaid cuts.
[1] Hines campaign: health care plan
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Michael Bouchard
No public position found.
Christina Hines
Says she wants to protect reproductive freedom.
[1] Michigan Public: MI-10 race (Sept. 2026)
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Michael Bouchard
No public position found.
Christina Hines
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Michael Bouchard
Supports finishing the border wall, restoring “Remain in Mexico,” ending catch-and-release and deporting “criminal illegals.”
[1] Bouchard campaign: Where Mike Stands
Christina Hines
Supports increased border security while pledging to “push back against Department of Homeland Security policies that destabilize families or target communities unfairly.”
[1] Branch: Christina Hines profile
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Michael Bouchard
Supports increasing parental choice in education and would back a Parents’ Bill of Rights.
[1] Michigan Public: MI-10 race (Sept. 2026)[2] Bouchard campaign: Where Mike Stands
Christina Hines
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Michael Bouchard
Prioritizes “energy independence” through more domestic production and refining, and opposes a rapid shift away from gas-powered vehicles.
[1] Fox 11 / Sinclair: Bouchard interview (Oct. 2026)
Christina Hines
Backs Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, PFAS regulation, a 10-year nationwide lead-pipe replacement deadline, and clean-energy incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act.
[1] Hines campaign: water plan
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