Jim Haadsma to Run for State House Seat

Press Release

BATTLE CREEK, MI — Former State Representative Jim Haadsma announced today that he is running to return to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2026.

He will formally launch his campaign on Monday, July 28 starting at 5:30 PM, at a media event today in Battle Creek.  Haadsma said the past six months have made clear the consequences of ineffective leadership under current Republican Representative Steve Frisbie, particularly on the state budget and support for public education.
“It’s simple – Representative Frisbie and House Republicans aren’t showing up to work.

They’ve failed to pass a reasonable budget on time, and instead of reaching across the
aisle, Frisbie is collecting his paycheck and staying home,” Haadsma said. “In my last
term, we delivered on-time budgets and record investments in public education, but
Frisbie wants to slash school mental health funding and completely eliminate our
guarantee that Michigan kids get free school lunch.”

Haadsma previously represented the district from 2019 to 2024, where he worked across
the aisle to pass balanced budgets, expand funding for K–12 education, and secure key
investments in roads, infrastructure, and mental health care. Since leaving office, he says the contrast in leadership has become painfully clear.

“Frisbie promised fiscal responsibility, but instead we’ve seen poor planning,
underinvestment in our kids, and no vision for the future,” Haadsma said. “I’m running
because Calhoun County deserves leadership that delivers accountability and real results for our community.”

Haadsma’s campaign will focus on restoring steady, competent leadership; standing up
for workers; reinvesting in public education; fixing roads and infrastructure; protecting reproductive freedom; and ensuring Calhoun County has a representative who delivers real results in Lansing.

“This district is my home,” Haadsma said. “I’ve always fought for the people who live
here, and I’m ready to get back to work. I won’t waste a single day.”

Campaign Launch Event Details
● Date: Monday, July 28
● Time: 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM
● Location: Private media event in the public courtyard between the Kellogg
Corporate HQ and the K2 building — at the intersection of McCamly St and
Jackson St in downtown Battle Creek
● Rain Location (Tentative): Nearby small business (TBD)
● Parking: Available in the lot near Barista Blues and Handmap Brewing
The event will feature remarks from community validators and Haadsma himself,
followed by time to speak with media representatives.

About Jim Haadsma:
Former State Representative Jim Haadsma has lived in the Battle Creek community for
over three decades. He has fought for hardworking people and their families as a lawyer
for 41 years.