Michigan 9th District
Lisa McClain (R) holds this seat and is running again. 6 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Lisa McClain
Republican · holds this seat today
ALiberty Score AOn the liberty side in 112 of 119 votes and bills.
Raised $6,046,475 since January 2025: 52% from people, 27% from PACs and other committees, 21% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Ray Pooley
Democrat · CNC machinist and third-generation manufacturer
No gradeNo grade yetI have no votes in Congress to count for Pooley, and what Pooley has said and done settles only 3 of my principles. I went through it on October 24. A grade needs 4.
Raised $26,387 since January 2025: 77% from people, 19% from PACs and other committees, 4% from the party. The filing at FEC.gov
Voting in Michigan: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Ray Pooley, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Pooley, so the grade above comes from this list: what Pooley has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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His campaign issues page lists stopping what it calls a genocide in Palestine among his foreign policy goals.
“stop the genocide in Palestine”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
The quote names Palestine, not Israel; BRIEF rule: a quote that does not itself name the subject is unclear (spot-check 23 Oct).
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He says he will deliver health care through Medicare For All.
“through Medicare For All.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
Government-run health care for all is against liberty on free markets.
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He says the tax code should be simplified so the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.
“simplifying the tax code so the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
Higher taxes on the wealthy are against liberty on free markets.
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He says he will maintain the strongest military on earth.
“We will maintain the strongest military on earth to deter our enemies”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Backing the strongest military follows the defense test.
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He says there will be a secure border alongside a legal immigration process.
“We will have a secure border and create a functional, efficient legal immigration process that stops the chaos.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Securing the border follows the borders test.
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He calls for a pathway to citizenship for those who follow the rules and an end to harassing immigrants.
“This means a clear, swift pathway to citizenship for those who follow the rules,”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
A path to citizenship is against liberty on borders.
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Pooley's campaign site lists ending ICE raids as part of his immigration plan.
“End un-American ICE raids and enforce smart border policy, targeting root cause”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
Opposing ICE raids is against liberty on borders.
Also on the ballot
Destiny Clayton (Green), Kevin Vayko (Libertarian), John Vlahos (U.S. Taxpayers), Jim Walkowicz (Working Class).
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
Who should win this race, and why?
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Discussion
Michigan 9th District
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