The Friends of West Michigan Business Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its initial slate of endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, backing candidates for the Michigan State Senate and House of Representatives.
Why it matters: Having the right people in office directly shapes the policy environment in which West Michigan businesses operate. The Friends of West Michigan Business PAC backs candidates who understand West Michigan business and will push for policies that drive vibrancy, economic growth, and a high quality of life.
- Elected officials set the conditions under which your business operates – taxes, workplace mandates, infrastructure, and permitting – and have a direct impact on your team. The Friends of West Michigan Business PAC works to support candidates who will listen to the people operating businesses in today’s uncertain environment, are willing to engage in nuanced discussions and care about the impact their decisions have on West Michigan.
How it works: Chamber membership and sponsorship dollars are never used for political giving. All funds received are personal (non-corporate) contributions from participating members and are guided through PAC Board decisions and donor input.
- The process is led by the PAC Board and contributors and is taken very seriously. The PAC Board issues questionnaires to candidates running for office and conducts interviews to discuss Chamber policy and value alignment. Voting records and past engagement are strongly considered for incumbents, and a two-thirds majority vote is required for an endorsement action.
Michigan House of Representatives:
- District 44: Steve Frisbie (R)
- District 81: Stephen Wooden (D)
- District 83: John Fitzgerald (D)
- District 84: Drew Robbins (R)
- District 85: Bradley Slagh (R)
- District 86: Nancy DeBoer (R)
- District 87: Will Snyder (D)
- District 88: Greg VanWoerkom (R)
- District 90: Lynn Afendoulis (R)
- District 91: Pat Outman (R)
- District 101: Jaxon Deur (R)
- District 102: Curt VanderWall (R)
Michigan State Senate
- District 18: Thomas Albert (R)
- District 20: Chris Moraitis (R)
- District 30: Mark Huizenga (R)
- District 32: Kim Cole (R)
- District 33: Gina Johnsen (R) & Katie DeBoer (R)
This list represents the PAC’s initial slate of endorsements and continues to evaluate candidates in other key races that impact West Michigan. More endorsements are being considered ahead of the general election on November 3rd.