The Ballot Brief
Bay County, Michigan

Michigan House District 96

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.

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.

Michigan › Bay County › Michigan House District 96

Christopher R. Girard

Democratic

Biography

Christopher R. Girard has served as Bay City Mayor since 2023 and previously served two stints on the Bay City Commission, per WNEM news reporting. He is the Democratic candidate for Michigan House District 96 in the 2026 general election. No campaign website was found as of September 20, 2026.

Timothy Beson

Republican

Top priorities
  • 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

Per the campaign site.

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.

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.

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