Jason Tunney

Jason Tunney (Republican Party) is running for election to the Michigan State Senate to represent District 35. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Republican primary on August 4, 2026.

Tunney (Republican Party) also ran in a special election to the Michigan State Senate to represent District 35. He lost in the special general election on May 5, 2026.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm a lifelong resident of Saginaw and a dedicated father, husband, and community advocate running for Michigan’s 35th State Senate District. As a practicing lawyer and former prosecutor in Saginaw County, I bring real-world legal experience and a deep understanding of public safety and justice. I also spent over 20 years working at Duro-Last, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges Michigan employers face. I'm not a career politician - I'm a small-business leader, local resident, and conservative fighter ready to bring fresh accountability, common-sense solutions, and a strong voice for Bay, Midland, and Saginaw families to Lansing.My education and professional experience prepared me to serve effectively in the Michigan Senate. I pursued a legal career because I believe in the rule of law, personal responsibility, and public service. As a prosecutor in Saginaw County, I handled serious felony cases and worked directly with law enforcement to keep our communities safe. Later, I brought that legal and analytical background into the private sector, working at Duro-Last and gaining hands-on experience with management, compliance, and workforce challenges. That combination of legal training and real-world business experience gives me a practical, no-nonsense approach to governing. I understand how policy decisions affect classrooms, courtrooms, and job creators alike.I am running to make Michigan more competitive and affordable for working families. Our state has lost jobs, talent, and opportunity because taxes are too high and government is too heavy-handed. I support lowering Michigan’s income tax from 4.25 percent to 4 percent and continuing to push it down so we can compete with neighboring states like Indiana. Families deserve to keep more of what they earn, and businesses need a climate that encourages growth instead of driving them away. By cutting taxes, reducing unnecessary regulation, and focusing on economic freedom, I will fight to lower the cost of living and make Michigan a place people want to stay, work, and raise a family.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about fixing our education system, restoring public safety, reducing burdensome regulation, and lowering taxes so Michigan families can thrive. As a former prosecutor, I saw firsthand how broken policies hurt victims, law enforcement, and entire communities, which is why public safety is not theoretical to me. Education matters because strong schools are the foundation of opportunity, workforce readiness, and family stability. I am committed to making sure parents, teachers, and students are supported, not buried under bureaucracy. I am also passionate about cutting unnecessary regulations and lowering taxes that make it harder for businesses to grow and families to get ahead.