Michigan — 12th District

During the Aug. 4 Democratic primary election, voters in the 12th U.S. House District will choose among a current member of Congress; a Fortune 500 company’s state government affairs senior manager and a mayor vying for the 2-year term representing parts of Oakland and Wayne counties.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib to keep her 12th District seat, which is challenged by Shanelle Jackson, who works for the global firm LyondellBasell, and Inkster Mayor Byron H. Nolen, now in his second term. He was first elected mayor in 2015, a term that ended in 2019.

The 12th District includes the major cities Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Livonia, Southfield and Westland.

The primary winner will face Republican James D. Hooper in the Nov. 3 general election.

Tlaib is in her third term of office after winning her seat in Congress in a special 2018 election for the 13th District. After redistricting, she won the 12th District seat and is in her second term of that office.

MLive partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below.

Among the DNC candidates for District 12, Tlaib and Jackson responded. As of Thursday, June 25, Nolen had not responded to the league’s questionnaire.

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and were not edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should not be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at https://www.vote411.org/.

HEALTH CARE: What specific steps will you take in Congress to address healthcare affordability, access, and quality for the people you represent?

Jackson: I believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and my dream is that every American has access to quality healthcare through a Medicare for All system. That is the destination I want us to reach. At the same time, I am a solutions-based lawmaker, and people are suffering today. They deserve relief now, not just promises about tomorrow. I will build coalitions around reforms we can achieve now: lowering prescription drug costs, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, expanding mental health and maternal healthcare, reducing disparities in underserved communities, and continuing to move us toward universal coverage.

Tlaib: In Congress, I will keep fighting for healthcare as a human right, not a privilege reserved for people who can afford it. That means supporting Medicare for All while also taking immediate steps to lower out-of-pocket costs, protect Medicaid, reduce prescription drug prices, expand the healthcare workforce, and keep care accessible in our communities. I introduced the Medicines for the People Act to take on the cost of prescription drugs, the Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act to address provider shortages for veterans, and the Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act to make sure federal health.

Economy: What policy initiatives do you support for residents to earn a living wage and address the overall question of affordability across Michigan?

Jackson: Nearly 42% of Southeast Michigan households fall below United Way’s ALICE threshold. That’s why my economic agenda is built around four priorities: reward work, eliminate the benefits cliff, expand affordable childcare, and help families build first-generation and generational wealth. People should never be punished for accepting a raise, earning a promotion, or working a second job. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving and ensure hard work once again leads to the American Dream.