Stacey McDuffie

Stacey McDuffie's career experience includes working as a businesswoman.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a business professional, Realtor, Army spouse, mother of two daughters, and lifelong advocate for serving others. My career has included leadership roles with organizations like the NBA and Lockheed Martin, where I learned the importance of accountability, teamwork, and solving complex problems. Today, I help families navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives while raising my family here in District 51. I'm running for the Michigan House because I believe state government should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on improving the everyday lives of the people it serves.

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?

Government should work for the people, not the other way around. I will fight for transparent budgeting, accountable government and responsible spending. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going and whether it is producing measurable results. We need leadership that asks tough questions, focuses on outcomes and puts the needs of local communities ahead of politics.Strong schools create strong communities. Every child deserves a quality education regardless of their ZIP code. Supporting our teachers means giving them the resources, respect and classroom support they need to help students succeed. I will advocate for measurable improvements in student achievement, safe learning environments, and responsible investments that prioritize outcomes over bureaucracy.We have to make Michigan more affordable for working families. Families across District 51 are feeling the pressure of rising costs. I will work to lower everyday expenses by supporting policies that improve affordability, strengthen infrastructure, support veterans and military families, encourage economic growth and make it easier for people to build their lives and careers here in Michigan.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about improving educational outcomes, making Michigan more affordable for working families, supporting veterans and military families, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring government is transparent and accountable. I believe public policy should be measured by whether it improves people's daily lives, expands opportunity and responsibly invests taxpayer dollars. My focus is on practical, data-driven solutions that strengthen our communities and prepare Michigan for the future.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom has always been my greatest role model. Watching her care for our family, including my sister with cerebral palsy, taught me compassion, resilience and what true service looks like. She never sought recognition, she simply did what needed to be done because it was the right thing to do. She taught me that leadership is about putting others first, solving problems with grace and showing up consistently. Those lessons continue to shape how I serve my family, my community and the people I hope to represent.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, accountability and service should be the foundation of public office. An elected official should listen before making decisions, be transparent with constituents and be willing to explain both successes and failures. Leadership is about solving problems, building trust and putting the interests of the people above politics or personal ambition.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A state representative's primary responsibility is to represent the people of their district by listening to constituents, crafting thoughtful legislation, overseeing responsible use of taxpayer dollars and ensuring state government is accountable and effective. The job is to improve people's quality of life through practical solutions while protecting the interests of the communities they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be bigger than the laws I helped pass. I want my daughters, and every child, to know their voice matters. We have a responsibility to raise resilient, confident young people who understand that they aren't powerless; they have the ability to make a difference in their communities and in the world around them. If people remember me as someone who showed up, listened, led with integrity and inspired others to believe they could be part of the solution, that would be the greatest legacy I could leave.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at Hungry Howie's while I was in high school. It taught me the importance of hard work, teamwork and responsibility. My first professional position was with the Detroit Pistons, where I began a career that opened doors to opportunities in professional sports, aerospace and eventually real estate. Each experience strengthened my commitment to leadership, service and accountability.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the greatest influences on my life has been growing up with my sister, who has cerebral palsy. Watching my parents care for her with unwavering love and dignity shaped my understanding of compassion, resilience and service. Today, helping care for her and supporting my aging parents reminds me every day that many families are balancing work, caregiving and financial pressures. Those experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for policies that strengthen families and support caregivers.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and the Legislature should work as partners while respecting the constitutional role of each branch. Healthy disagreement is inevitable but it should never prevent government from addressing the needs of the people. The best outcomes occur when leaders communicate openly, debate ideas respectfully and remain focused on solving problems rather than scoring political points.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Michigan's greatest challenges will be improving educational outcomes, making our state more affordable for working families, repairing and modernizing infrastructure, attracting and retaining talented workers and ensuring government spends taxpayer dollars responsibly. We must also prepare for emerging technologies, strengthen our economy and create opportunities that encourage young families and businesses to build their futures here.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, but compromise should never come at the expense of core values or the people you represent. Good policymaking requires listening, collaboration and finding common ground whenever possible. The goal should be progress, not political victories. When compromise leads to better solutions for constituents, it is a strength. When it requires sacrificing integrity or accountability, leaders should stand firm.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Detroit News

Royal Oak City Commissioner, Paul Bastian

Oakland County Commissioner, Penny Luebs

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The first historical event I vividly remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. I was a young elementary school student and like many children across the country, I watched what was supposed to be an exciting day turn into a moment our nation would never forget. It was my first experience seeing history unfold in real time and realizing how deeply national events can affect all of us.