Democrat Enters House Race, Promises Bridge Accountability and Community Focus
Bay City Mayor Christopher "Chris" Girard has filed to run for Michigan's 96th House District seat, challenging incumbent Republican Representative Timmy Beson in what could become a key Democratic pickup in Bay County.
The primary election is scheduled for August 4, with candidates having until April 21 to file. Girard was the first candidate to file, according to the Bay County Clerk's office.
"I've been involved with local politics now for going on 11 years. I've seen what happens at a local level, but really it comes down from the state level," Girard told the Daily News. "As much as I want to make a difference here and do everything I can do for our community, it really is going to keep going to the state level to make some of the changes that are necessary for our community."
Girard's campaign announcement comes during a contentious time for Bay County infrastructure. Mechanical issues temporarily closed the Veterans Memorial Bridge, the only open toll-free bascule drawbridge in Bay City. The Lafayette Bridge, also toll-free, is currently closed for a replacement project.
Both bridges are owned and operated by the state, and Girard said he wants to implement legislation requiring the state to reimburse motorists for tolls they have to pay when state-operated bridges aren't functioning.
"In a community that only has two state operated bridges, if one goes down, and the only other option is a toll bridge, I think there should be a path for people to get reimbursed for that," Girard said.
Girard also wants to see a cap for late toll fees and plans to examine the state legislation that authorized Bay City's agreement with Bay City Bridge Partners, which led to the bridges being tolled.
"Ultimately, I'm not certain that what has taken place with Bay City Bridge Partners is what was promised to the community and the surrounding neighboring communities, and I would take a look at the Senate bills that actually authorized this long term tolling process," Girard said.
Other issues of importance to Girard include increasing local infrastructure funding, strengthening the economy, and ensuring access to healthcare and mental health systems.
The Bay City Commission recently approved a resolution on immigration enforcement that Girard had proposed. The resolution affirms the city's existing police policies but does not declare Bay City a sanctuary city, following Girard's veto of a previous resolution deeming Bay City a welcoming community regardless of immigration status.
"We have to make sure our citizens of the state of Michigan are protected and that we follow the constitutional laws as well," Girard said. "If those on the federal government side do not follow those laws, then I think they should be held accountable. That being said, we do have state laws that are in place, so I would support those."
Though the state House seat is currently held by a Republican, Girard expressed confidence that a Democrat can win the seat in November. Historically, Democrats have won in the 96th district, with Republicans gaining control only in the last several years.
"We have blue collar roots in Bay County, and I believe a Democrat can shine through," Girard said.
Girard became mayor of Bay City in January 2025 after serving on the City Commission for nine years, with his term running through 2028. He is not resigning as mayor at this time.
The district encompasses Bay City, Essexville and the townships of Bangor, Beaver, Frankenlust, Fraser, Garfield, Hampton, Kawkawlin, Merritt, Monitor and Portsmouth.
Beson, who joined the House of Representatives in 2021, has served on the House Appropriations Committee, where he chaired the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services.
A lifelong Bay County resident, Beson graduated from John Glenn High School in 1992 and earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Saginaw Valley State University. Before his legislative service, he owned and operated Beson's Market, a family meat market and grocery store north of Bay City, and served as a trustee on the Bangor Township Schools Board of Education.