Lansing, MI – Americans for Prosperity-Michigan (AFP-MI) today announced its endorsement of eight Michigan House candidates ahead of the 2026 elections: State Rep. Rylee Linting (HD-27), State Rep. Jamie Thompson (HD-28), Laura Perry (HD-31), State Rep. Steve Frisbie (HD-44), State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (HD-46), Jeff Omtvedt (HD-54), State Rep. Tom Kuhn (HD-57), and State Rep. Ron Robinson (HD-58).
Michigan families are navigating rising costs, burdensome regulations, and an education system that too often prioritizes bureaucratic interests over student outcomes. These eight candidates have each demonstrated a commitment to policies that lower costs, expand opportunity, and keep government accountable to the people it serves.
AFP-MI State Director Tim Golding released the following statement:
”Michigan families are asking for leadership that will deliver real results — lower costs, more freedom in health care, better options in education, and an energy landscape that works for Michigan businesses and families rather than against them. These eight candidates have shown they are willing to fight for those outcomes, and AFP-MI is proud to stand behind them.
“Through thousands of conversations with Michiganders across the state, AFP-MI’s grassroots activists hear every day from families looking for real change. We are confident these candidates will advance policies that expand freedom and opportunity for all Michiganders, and we will work hard to support them through Election Day.”
As part of its endorsements, AFP-MI will use its statewide grassroots network to educate and engage voters on the issues at stake in these races and encourage support for candidates who will advance freedom and opportunity for all Michiganders.
Read about the candidates below:
State Rep. Rylee Linting (HD-27)
In her first term, Linting has proven to be a reliable partner on health care and energy. On health care, she cosponsored legislation to expand Michigan’s Right to Try Act and served as lead sponsor of the aligned interstate medical licensure compact bill, which would improve access to care for patients across state lines. On energy, Linting has built an aligned voting record and cosponsored legislation on utility regulations. Across AFP-MI’s priority issues, she has been a consistent and dependable vote.
State Rep. Jamie Thompson (HD-28)
Thompson brings a unique perspective to the Legislature as a practicing nurse and a consistent voice for health care freedom and economic common sense. As the primary sponsor of legislation expanding Michigan’s Right to Try Act, she has worked to give patients greater access to life-saving treatments. On labor and energy, Thompson has opposed efforts to repeal Right to Work, expand the prevailing wage, and impose new regulations on Michigan’s energy sector. She is an outspoken critic of green energy mandates and supports expanding Michigan’s energy mix to include nuclear power.
Laura Perry (HD-31)
Perry has made education accountability and parental choice central to her campaign. She advocates for meaningful school accountability with a focus on foundational academics, and believes parents should have a real choice in where their children are educated. Perry supports returning Michigan to Right-to-Work status and reducing barriers to occupational licensing — changes that would make it easier for Michiganders to find work and build careers. She currently serves as Chair and Commissioner of the Dundee and Monroe Development Authorities.
State Rep. Steve Frisbie (HD-44)
Frisbie came to the Legislature with two decades of health care experience as a former vice president at Emergent Health Partners LifeCare Ambulance Service, and his legislative record reflects that background. In his first term, he cosponsored legislation to expand Michigan’s Right to Try Act and an interstate medical licensure compact bill that would improve access to care for patients across state lines. A former adjunct professor for 20 years, Frisbie has also built an aligned voting record on education and brings firsthand expertise to the state’s challenges in health care access and workforce development.
State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (HD-46)
Schmaltz has been a reliable voice for regulatory reform and cost relief on energy issues. She has cosponsored multiple aligned zoning reform bills and consistently opposed unnecessary utility regulations and energy mandates that drive up costs for Michigan families. Schmaltz also supports repealing the gas tax, a direct relief measure for families and businesses facing rising transportation costs.
Jeff Omtvedt (HD-54)
Omtvedt brings firsthand business and civic experience to his campaign, having founded Detroit Taco Company and served as a township trustee. He has identified government spending as a top priority, calling for spending cuts and audits to hold the state accountable for how taxpayer dollars are used. As a father of children with varying educational needs, Omtvedt understands the limits of a one-size-fits-all approach to education and advocates for greater parental involvement in schooling decisions.
State Rep. Tom Kuhn (HD-57)
Now in his second term, Kuhn has made government spending and budget transparency signature priorities, working to reform the budget process and increase accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent. He has consistently opposed labor legislation that would drive up costs for Michigan employers and families, and is a strong advocate for school choice and expanding higher education pathways for Michigan students.
State Rep. Ron Robinson (HD-58)
In his first legislative session, Robinson proved to be a partner on education and energy, building an aligned voting record in both areas and cosponsoring legislation on utility regulations. He has also taken multiple aligned votes this session on health care licensing, demonstrating a commitment to improving patient access and reducing barriers for providers.