Steffan Demetropoulos
RepublicanQ1 Scientific and technical expertise can inform decisions related to healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you communicate scientific uncertainty or evolving evidence to the public?
“Scientific and technical experts provide valuable information that should inform policy decisions, especially in healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. However, experts should advise elected officials, not replace them. Policymakers must balance scientific evidence with economic impacts, public input, constitutional principles, and local needs. When evidence evolves, government officials should communicate honestly about what is known, what remains uncertain, and why decisions are being made. Transparency builds trust and leads to better outcomes.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence-Based, Transparency, Accountability
Q2 Government research funding supports universities, medical centers, and technology development across Michigan and the nation. What role, if any, should the federal government play in supporting scientific research and innovation, and what outcomes would you prioritize when evaluating those investments?
“Scientific research has helped improve healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and national security. Federal investment should focus on areas that strengthen America’s competitiveness, improve quality of life, and address clear national priorities. Taxpayer-funded research should be subject to rigorous oversight, measurable outcomes, and public accountability. I support investments that advance innovation, develop new technologies, support critical industries, and produce tangible benefits for American families and businesses.”
KEYWORDS: Innovation, Accountability, Competitiveness
Q3 Michigan farmers face challenges including shifting weather patterns, localized droughts, fluctuating input costs, and global market pressures. What policies or investments, if any, would you support to help farmers remain productive and economically competitive, and what role could scientific research and innovation play in those efforts?
“Michigan’s farmers face increasing challenges from weather variability, global competition, labor shortages, and rising costs. Research and innovation can help improve productivity, crop resilience, resource efficiency, and profitability. I support partnerships among farmers, universities, and the private sector to develop practical solutions that help producers remain competitive. Investments should prioritize real-world applications that strengthen domestic food production, reduce costs, and support rural communities.”
KEYWORDS: Agriculture, Innovation, Competitiveness
Q4 Michigan communities continue to face challenges related to aging water infrastructure, contamination concerns such as PFAS, and long-term protection of the Great Lakes. What policies or investments, if any, would you support to improve drinking water safety and water infrastructure in Michigan?
“Every Michigan resident deserves access to safe drinking water and reliable infrastructure. I support investments in upgrading aging water systems, replacing failing infrastructure, and addressing contamination that threatens public health. Protecting the Great Lakes is both an environmental and economic priority. Federal resources should be used responsibly and in partnership with state and local governments to ensure clean water while minimizing unnecessary regulatory burdens that hinder growth and development.”
KEYWORDS: Infrastructure, Clean Water, Great Lakes
Q5 Many communities face shortages in healthcare providers and limited access to specialty care. What policies, if any, do you support to address this daily challenge and do you envision emerging technologies playing a role?
“Many communities face shortages of healthcare providers, especially in rural and underserved areas. Expanding access to telehealth, supporting workforce development, and reducing barriers to care can help address these challenges. Emerging technologies can improve healthcare delivery, enhance diagnostics, and increase efficiency, but they should complement, not replace, the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. The goal should be accessible, affordable, high-quality care for all communities.”
KEYWORDS: Access, Telehealth, Workforce
Q7 As electricity demand increases due to manufacturing, electrification, and data infrastructure, what role, if any, do you believe alternative energy sources, such as nuclear energy, wind, or solar, should play in America’s future energy mix? What policies, if any, would you support related to alternative energy development, regulation, and/or research, and why?
“America needs a reliable, affordable, and secure energy supply to support economic growth, manufacturing, and national security. I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and emerging technologies. Energy policy should prioritize reliability, affordability, and domestic production while encouraging innovation and responsible stewardship. No single energy source can meet future demand alone, especially as manufacturing and data centers increase electricity consumption.”
KEYWORDS: Reliability, Affordability, Energy Security
Q9 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing demand for energy and water infrastructure. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?
“Artificial intelligence and data centers are becoming increasingly important to economic growth, manufacturing, healthcare, and national security. Policies should encourage innovation while ensuring adequate energy infrastructure, grid reliability, and responsible resource management. The federal government should support infrastructure improvements that allow technological growth without compromising affordability or reliability for households and businesses. Regulatory approaches should provide clear rules while preserving America’s leadership in innovation and technological development.”
KEYWORDS: Privacy, Grid Reliability, Local Control