The Ballot Brief
Bay County, Michigan

Michigan House District 96

See where Girard and Beson stand on housing and roads. Names follow official Bay County election filings.

About this race

Christopher R. Girard (Democratic), Timothy Beson (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan House District 96. Not on the November ballot: Timmy Beson, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 4, 2026 primary, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results; Michigan prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Timothy Beson, is on the ballot.

This list comes from official election records but may be incomplete. It can miss, for example, late or petition candidates and some city, school and district races. Your official sample ballot is the final word.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Michigan › Bay County › Michigan House District 96

Christopher R. Girard

Christopher R. Girard

Democratic

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Infrastructure and roads
  • Affordability and jobs
  • Public safety
Biography

Girard began his career as a member of Teamsters Local 486 and then spent 20 years at Do-All Inc., including 14 as CEO, helping people with disabilities live and work more independently, per the campaign site. Girard graduated from Alma College with a B.S. in Psychology, served as a Bay City Commissioner, and the site says he now serves as Bay City's mayor, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Timothy Beson

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Addressing high taxes, regulations, and energy costs to make life in Bay County more affordable
  • Securing state funding for the Lafayette Bridge project
  • Eliminating the state property tax to reduce the average homeowner's bill
Biography

Timothy Beson is the sitting state representative for Michigan House District 96, according to the Michigan House Republicans roster. He operates the Beson Meat Market in Kawkawlin, Michigan, per his campaign site, and also volunteers cooking for youth sports teams.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)
Next on your ballotMichigan House District 97

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
Questions about this race

Who is running for Michigan House District 96 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 96 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Christopher R. Girard and Timothy Beson. Candidate information follows official Bay County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on housing and roads.

When is the Michigan House District 96 election in Michigan?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Michigan are on the Michigan election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Bay County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Bay County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Michigan election office, or see the full Bay County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Bay County ballot

6 tracked races in Bay County, Michigan. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Michigan House District 99Michigan Senate District 34Michigan Senate District 35See all 6 Bay County races
Candidate profiles
Christopher R. Girard, full profileTimothy Beson, full profileOfficial Michigan election office