Stephen Schlaack

Stephen Schlaack graduated from Corunna High School. Schlaack earned a bachelor's degree from Alma College in 2013 and a graduate degree from Michigan State University in 2020. Schlaack's career experience includes working in healthcare management.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for State Representative in Michigan’s 71st District because I believe our communities deserve practical leadership focused on solving real problems.

I’m proud to be an Owosso native. Like many people from Mid-Michigan, I moved away earlier in my career for work opportunities before eventually returning home. Coming back gave me a renewed appreciation for the strength of our communities and the importance of making sure places like ours have a real voice in Lansing.

Professionally, I work in supply chain and procurement and have spent more than a decade helping organizations improve systems, manage contracts, and reduce costs across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

In my community, I serve on the Owosso Planning Commission and manage the Owosso Farmers Market. The market has grown into one of the largest food access points in the city for residents using SNAP/EBT and has become an important gathering place for local farmers, small businesses, and families.

I’m running for office because rural areas and small towns across the 71st District deserve leadership that understands life outside Michigan’s largest cities and is focused on affordability, economic opportunity, and responsible government.

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?

Transparency and accountability should be the standard in government. Voters deserve to know who their elected officials are working for. I believe elected officials should answer to the people in their districts, not special interests or large corporate donors.Affordability is one of the biggest issues facing families across Mid-Michigan. I will work to lower utility bills, fight for stronger tenant protections, and make sure working families are not carrying the full burden of rising costs. I believe we can reduce costs for everyday Michiganders by asking the wealthiest corporations and billionaires operating in our state to finally pay their fair share, rather than continuing to shift those costs onto working people.Small towns and rural communities across Michigan’s 71st District deserve stronger representation in Lansing. Too often, decisions are made without fully understanding how they affect communities like ours. I will advocate for policies that support local businesses, protect farmland, invest in infrastructure, and make sure our towns and rural areas have the resources they need to grow and succeed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that strengthen small towns and rural communities. That includes improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses and local agriculture, protecting Michigan farmland, and expanding access to affordable food.

My professional background in supply chain and procurement has shown me how inefficiencies in large systems can increase costs for everyone. I believe government should focus on delivering services more effectively while keeping costs down for taxpayers.

I also believe strongly in transparency and accountability in government so voters can trust that their elected officials are working for them.