Several of the Michigan House of Representatives districts have been redrawn and will encompass different areas and constituents than in previous elections.

In the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th districts, candidates say voters share similar concerns about public safety, inflation, affordable housing, education and inflation.

In the 11th District, incumbent Democrat Donavan McKinney, currently serving in Michigan’s 14th House District, faces Republican Dale Walker, retired Warren Department of Public Works superintendent and longtime ward delegate.

District 14 includes a portion of northeast Detroit, all of Center Line and most of Warren. District 11 covers most of southern Warren and all of northeast Detroit.

Both candidates pointed to the commonalities between Northeast Detroit and South Warren and said they believe residents have similar concerns throughout the district.

“Our district is very diverse in terms of geography and population, but I strongly believe that there are more things that unite us than divide us,” McKinney said. “Our office has been highly visible in the community and will continue to be accessible; we pride ourselves on always showing up and leading with a helping hand.

“Our top priority will be bridging the gap and bringing all of our communities together, no matter what part of 8 Mile you live on.”

Walker feels residents in both communities have shared concerns, and as someone who has lived in south Warren all his life, he has a sense of urgency about solving the problems.

“I graduated from Warren Lincoln and I’ve been here my whole life,” Walker said. “I’m also not a politician and I come from a working-class background, which I think is helpful because I have an outside perspective of a broken system.”

The system he believes is the most important issue that is not talked about enough.

“There are people who really need help and can’t get it, and also people who are getting help who shouldn’t be getting it,” Walker said. “There’s too much red tape and I think we’ve lost our way.”

For McKinney, the issue of crime and especially gun violence in the community and keeping residents safe is something that cannot be overemphasized.

“Whether you live in Macomb County or Detroit, we all deserve to live in safe communities,” said McKinney, “I’ve had countless loved ones affected by crime and gun violence, and many have been affected by an unjust criminal justice system, so I understand the Urgency to protect our communities and ensure that every member of our community is treated fairly.”

Incumbent Democrat Kimberly Edwards and Republican Randell Shafer are running for the 12th House District seat. The newly drawn district now includes parts of Eastpointe, St Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods.

Edwards said she will continue to work to make sure every diverse area is heard and is committed to being accessible to all voters.

The issue he believes is not being talked about enough is the difficulty disabled and elderly people face when accessing unemployment and tax information.

“Navigating these systems can be especially difficult for those with limited mobility or technology access,” Edwards said. “At the state level, I plan to advocate for more user-friendly platforms and improved support services, making sure these groups have easier access to the support they need.

“This includes promoting better outreach programs and localized help centers to ensure no one is left behind.”

Shafer did not respond to requests for comment.

In the 13th District, Republican Ronald Singer faces Democrat Mai Xiong, who won a special state House election in April to fill the seat vacated when Lori Stone was elected mayor of Warren.

Singer said residents of Warren, Roseville and St. Clair Shores share concerns about inflation and the rising cost of food, utilities and other necessities. Singer said he would be a watchdog on tax increases and budget allocations that don’t benefit residents.

“A lot of the increases aren’t the fault of the state legislature, but some are,” Singer said. “The increased cost of electricity is a direct result of the legislation.

“Along with so many residents, I don’t think the legislature is spending our money carefully and efficiently.”

Xiong said residents in her district are concerned about affordable housing, public safety, education and health care, and she has made it a priority to meet with families, seniors, veterans and small business owners in her district.

“I am committed to listening and making sure policies reflect everyone’s diverse needs,” Xiong said. “I will continue to engage directly with constituents to learn about their needs and find solutions that lift up every community, no matter where in the county they live.”

Xiong said the issue that isn’t talked about enough is the rising cost of living.

“I plan to work statewide to lower costs for families by investing in affordable housing initiatives, creating tax credits for middle-class families, increasing access to health care, and supporting policies that address inflation and rising costs,” Xiong said.

For Singer, the issue that needs more attention from the state legislature is education. He supports school of choice and a “back to basics” curriculum.

“We need to prioritize reading, writing, arithmetic and core classes as well as real-life skills,” Singer said. “We should make schools safe and we should make them efficient; Improving education has unlimited payback potential.”

The newly drawn 14th District encompasses parts of Macomb and Oakland counties: Warren, Center Line, Hazel Park and Madison Heights.

Democratic incumbent Mike McFall, who served as Mayor Pro Tem in Hazel Park before being elected to the state House in 2022, and Republican Barbara Barber are both from Oakland County, but McFall said he understands the concerns of all his constituents. He plans to hold regular town hall meetings to stay engaged with community members, local organizations and local business owners.

“I am committed to advancing our community by continuing to advocate for resources and partnering with those who share a passion for helping our neighbors,” McFall said. “Keeping an open line of communication and remaining responsive is key to effectively serving constituents.”

The issue McFall believes deserves more discussion and focus is on mental health care and removing barriers to accessing services.

“I will continue to fight for increased funding for mental health services, expand access to telehealth care and advocate for the integration of mental health into primary care,” said McFall. “We also need to reduce stigma and make sure everyone can access the help they need.”

Barber did not respond to requests for comment.