MICHAL

MARQUETTE — The 2026 campaigns for the candidate who will represent Michigan’s First Congressional District welcomes a new face to the race this year: Justin Michal.

Michal is running as a Republican alongside incumbent candidate Rep. Jack Bergman, but the desire for a change in representation is what inspired Michal to enter politics in the first place, despite not being a politician or having any desire to interact with politics. During our interview, Michal mentioned that the lack of representation shown by Bergman is not meeting the essential needs of people in the district.

“I’ve met with thousands of people around the district, and I think I’ve heard from maybe two people that they’re satisfied with our current representation’s efforts,” said Michal. His campaign strategy is built on meeting with as many people as he can in the First Congressional District, listening to their concerns and desires regarding issues like healthcare, digital access and communication, and investments in education and workforce development, to name a few.

A veteran of the U.S. Army and a lifetime resident of Grayling, Michal spent his time post-military service obtaining a doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. His research and advocacy for student veterans led him to presenting his findings to federal officials in Washington D.C. and his work on armed/unarmed conflict has influenced policy decisions with the United Nations Special Representatives and international non-governmental organizations.

During his time in Geneva with the United Nations, Michal sat in on the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, noting how the seat reserved for a representative from America was empty. The physical absence of a country that so heavily emphasizes human rights at the international Human Rights Council stuck with Michal.

“Silence, after all, is not neutrality. It is a choice. And in the battle for human rights, that choice has real-world consequences. If the United States truly believes in its own rhetoric – that democracy and fundamental freedoms are worth defending – it cannot afford to remain a silent spectator,” wrote Michal in an opinion piece reflecting on his experience in Switzerland. An essential part of Michal’s campaign is making sure that the people of the district are represented for their concerns and values, not by the agendas or external factors that often influence elected officials, which includes collaborating with others who have different political or ideological differences and working with those across the aisle from him to find solutions that benefit everyone.

“I don’t care about money, I don’t care about power, so they can’t sway me with those things,” explained Michal. “I’m there to represent the people of our district, not my own politics or agenda.” He further mentioned that he’s willing to meet people wherever they are, whenever they’re available, to hear their concerns and stories so he can make the decisions that are best for the people of Northern Michigan. Growing up and continuing to live in Grayling, Michal plans to implement community, hard work, and perseverance alongside small-town values if elected into office. If elected, he plans to have regular town halls to continue to meet with constituents, hearing their thoughts and bringing them back to Washington.

In anticipation of his potential win in the 2026 election, Michal has researched and drafted what he calls the DISASTER Relief Act, which aims to provide crucial tax relief for those who experience federally-recognized disasters. Inspired by his own experiences and those of others who were impacted by Michigan’s major ice storm back in March, Michal says this drafted bill could provide some much-needed financial relief for those who already have a lot going on when a disaster strikes.

“During that storm, I knew people who had to keep buying fuel or replacing generators when they didn’t have heat in their homes,” said Michal. “Why should you have to spend a few thousand dollars that you might not have, especially in the middle of an emergency?”

One key idea that voters should take away from Justin Michal’s campaign is that if elected, he will represent the people of the district, not his own interests.

“Today, my decision to serve again is not driven by tragedy, but by necessity. A recognition that our communities face critical challenges and deserve leaders who will put people first,” writes Michal on his website. “This is not just a continuation of service; it is a renewed commitment to fight for the forgotten, to listen to the unheard, and to lead with integrity and purpose.”

The Mining Journal will continue to cover the 1st Congressional District race as it continues into 2026. For more information on Justin Michal and his 2026 campaign, visit his website at justinmichalforcongress.com.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.