Former South Lyon mayor running for state's 49th District House seat

Dan Pelchat says he can no longer be silent as he sees "our way of life and our system of government being undermined."

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dan Pelchat, the former mayor of South Lyon, Michigan, is running for the state's 49th District House seat. Pelchat, a Democrat, is the only candidate so far to formally file for the position currently held by Republican Ann Bollin. Pelchat cited working to pass an $18.4 million bond to fix roads, move the city's veterans' memorial, and develop the Sidecar social district as some of his accomplishments as mayor. If elected, Pelchat said he would concentrate on improving public education, protecting the environment and women's rights, improving infrastructure, and defending democracy.

Why it matters

This race for the 49th District House seat in Michigan's state legislature is significant as it pits a Democratic challenger against an incumbent Republican. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the state House, as well as the legislative priorities and policies that are pursued.

The details

Pelchat, 43, is running to represent residents of the City of Brighton and the townships of Brighton and Green Oak in Livingston County, as well as Walled Lake, Wixom, and parts of the City of Novi and Lyon and Commerce townships in Oakland County. As mayor of South Lyon, Pelchat was elected as a write-in candidate in 2017 and was reelected twice. He cited several accomplishments, including passing a bond to fix roads, moving the city's veterans' memorial, and developing the Sidecar social district.

  • Pelchat formally filed for the 49th District House seat in March 2026.
  • The election for the 49th District House seat will be held in November 2026.

The players

Dan Pelchat

The former mayor of South Lyon, Michigan, who is running as a Democrat for the state's 49th District House seat.

Ann Bollin

The Republican incumbent who has served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 49th District since 2019.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have felt a call to return to public service as I have watched how some of our elected representatives are working to undermine our system of government and fair elections. I can no longer be silent when I see our way of life and our system of government being undermined. I want to represent the strong democratic values that the people of Michigan are known for.”

— Dan Pelchat, Former mayor of South Lyon

What’s next

The election for the 49th District House seat will be held in November 2026.

The takeaway

This race for the 49th District House seat in Michigan highlights the ongoing political divisions in the state, as a Democratic challenger seeks to unseat a Republican incumbent. The outcome could have significant implications for the legislative priorities and policies pursued in the state.