State Rep. Bill G. Schuette announces reelection campaign; prioritizes energy, flood reduction

State Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) announced he would be running for reelection in November to Michigan’s 95th District on Tuesday morning at Pizza Sam’s in Midland. 

Schuette was first elected to the position in November 2022. In the past year, he has helped to allocate $40 million in flood reduction infrastructure funding in the state budget, introduced the Family Affordability Package and a government transparency package, and resolved more than 150 constituents' cases with state agencies.

In Lansing, he has served on the House Appropriations Committee, the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Subcommittee, the Judiciary Subcommittee, and was vice chair for the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee and House Republican Campaign Committee.

Schuette was born and raised in Midland and previously served as an intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Over 100 people crowded into the Pizza Sam’s lobby, including community members, business owners and local elected officials. Schuette’s parents, former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and Cynthia Schuette, joined him at the event. Schuette was sure to wish his mother a happy birthday before continuing with the announcement.

Schuette explained he decided to run for reelection to continue his work to completion, and he hopes to see a Republican majority at the State next year that will focus on cutting taxes, creating jobs, establishing more affordable energy and more.

“Growing up here in mid-Michigan, I learned the value system,” he said. “First, you finish what you started. You complete your tasks. Second, public service is about our community. It's not about ladder climbing. It's not about individual titles or accomplishments. And I'm running for reelection to take back the Michigan State House because we need to get Michigan back on the right track. It is an honor to serve the people of the 95th District, and together we've made a difference in my first term.”

Schuette said his priorities for the next term focus on three R’s: rebuild Michigan’s economy, reinforce strong communities and restore a confident future. He would do this by cutting taxes, reducing spending, creating jobs, supporting law enforcement, investing in quality education with parental control, building flood reduction infrastructure, establishing reliable and affordable energy - including natural gas - and more. 

“There remains a lot of work to be done because there are a whole host of policies that we need to move to make sure that Michigan is a better place to build your business, start your family and live your life,” Schuette said. “Frankly, Michigan Democrats are taking our state in the wrong direction.”

Schuette criticized the Michigan Democrats for regulations on small businesses, changes to public education and the climate legislation passed last year. He also condemned the state funds that were allocated to the Gotion North America battery component facility to be built near Big Rapids. Gotion is a U.S subsidiary of a Chinese company. 

“With Democrats in control of all three branches of our government, radical left wing policies have been rammed through our State House and our State Senate and they're damaging Michigan. It is not a Michigan dream under Democratic control. It is a Michigan nightmare.” 

Schuette was introduced by Midland County Republican Party Chair Cathy Leikhim, who has known him for many years.

“I first met him because he was one of our very youngest volunteers in the Midland County Republican Party,” Leikhim said. “He approaches each job, each task as an opportunity.

“Now in his current role, I get to work with Bill practically every day, and let me tell you from personal experience, he is relentless in how he approaches his role as state rep…I actually love working with Bill G. He brings so much energy, so much enthusiasm and new ideas to our party. It really truly is a joy to work with you, Bill.”

Leikhim praised the work Schuette has done in the past year both for the community and the local Republican Party. 

“The funds that we have in our community for the flood, that was his influence. Even what came through the Senate, that was him pushing for Midland," she said. "He’s a leader in the House, so I expect to see him emerge even further in leadership…he attracts a younger generation and we’re involved in so many more things now because of him.”

Midland County Register of Deeds Jenny Anway also discussed her campaign for November’s election. Anway succeeded the retired Julie Atkinson in that office in July 2022 and now will run for election in her own right to Register of Deeds in November.

“I know how important it is to have good leaders at all levels of government: local, county and federal,” she said. “I've been proud to partner with State Rep. Bill G. Schuette here in Midland County and it is clear…he really does care about our community. I'm proud to share the ballot with him this November.”