Midland Democrats Challenge Incumbent Republican in House Race

AnnMarie Horseman and Gary VanBlaricum file to run in Democratic primary for 95th District seat

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:50am

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A cinematic painting of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, with the grand structure bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political change and transition.The Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, a symbol of state government, stands as a backdrop to the shifting political dynamics in Midland.Midland Today

Two Midland residents, AnnMarie Horseman and Gary VanBlaricum, have filed to run in the Democratic primary for the 95th District of the Michigan State House of Representatives, currently held by Republican Bill G. Schuette. Horseman, a special education teacher, and VanBlaricum, a mechanic, both cited a need for change and better representation of the district's working-class and middle-class constituents.

Why it matters

The 95th District race is seen as a potential pickup opportunity for Democrats, as Midland has trended more Democratic in recent years, despite the incumbent Republican's hold on the seat. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the state legislature.

The details

Horseman and VanBlaricum filed to run in the August Democratic primary, challenging Schuette, who has held the seat since 2023. Horseman, a special education teacher, cited issues like equality in the classroom, teacher pay and benefits, and strengthening unions as key priorities. VanBlaricum, a mechanic, said he is "tired of bullies" and wants to stop Medicaid cuts, invest in education, and raise taxes on the upper class while lowering them for the middle class.

  • AnnMarie Horseman filed to run on March 31, 2026.
  • Gary VanBlaricum filed to run on March 17, 2026.
  • The Democratic primary election will take place on August 4, 2026.
  • Candidates have until April 21, 2026 to file to run in the election.

The players

AnnMarie Horseman

A special education teacher with Midland Public Schools who decided to run for office after seeing the results of the 2024 election, feeling the current representative does not reflect the values of Midland.

Gary VanBlaricum

A mechanic working in preventative maintenance at Dow who decided to run because he is "tired of bullies" and wants to stop cuts to Medicaid, invest in education, and lower taxes on the middle class while raising them on the upper class.

Bill G. Schuette

The incumbent Republican who has held the 95th District seat since January 2023 and is the only Republican to have filed in the race as of the time of reporting.

Lara Bell Phillips

The Midland County Democratic Party Co-Chair who expressed excitement about the Democratic candidates and noted their working-class and union backgrounds.

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What they’re saying

“They both decided to run because they see that our current representative is out of touch with the people of this district. Bill Schuette Jr. is the son of a wealthy politician, and he's never had to choose between buying a prescription or paying to fix a broken-down car. Whichever candidate Democrats choose in the primary will know what their constituents need to live more comfortable lives, because it's what they need to afford a more comfortable life.”

— Lara Bell Phillips, Midland County Democratic Party Co-Chair

“I don't feel that our current representative truly reflects the values of Midland. Midland, the city at least, has moved and shifted, and tends to vote more Democrat. Over the last 10 years, we have seen this shift, but I don't think that our representative listens to that.”

— AnnMarie Horseman, Candidate

“I'm seeing a lot of people that can't fend for themselves, or can't stand up for themselves, just get absolutely ruined. Our older people, our young people, could be just a person down on his luck in between jobs, and they are making life almost impossible. And I've had it. Absolutely had it. Corporations and politicians do not intimidate me at all.”

— Gary VanBlaricum, Candidate

What’s next

The primary election will take place on August 4, 2026. Candidates have until April 21, 2026 to file to run in the election.

The takeaway

This race highlights the shifting political landscape in Midland, with Democrats seeing an opportunity to flip a traditionally Republican-held seat. The outcome could have broader implications for the balance of power in the Michigan state legislature.