2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 97 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Jack Bader and Briar Bearss. Candidate information follows official Bay County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Jack Bader (Democratic), Briar Bearss (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan House District 97. Not on the November ballot: Matthew Bierlein, 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.
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 97
Democratic
Per the campaign site.
Jack Bader is a Realtor from Vassar running as the Democratic candidate for the 97th District state House seat, which covers most of Saginaw County plus parts of Bay, northern Genesee, and Tuscola counties, per ABC12 (WJRT).
Republican
Per the campaign site.
Briar Bearss is a West Point graduate and Army veteran who now runs a small business and was raised in mid-Michigan, per Bearss campaign site.
Who is running for Michigan House District 97 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Michigan House District 97 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Jack Bader and Briar Bearss. Candidate information follows official Bay County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Michigan House District 97 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.
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.
6 tracked races in Bay County, Michigan. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.