Michigan Primary 2024 Voter Guide: 11th Congressional District
Learn more about the candidates running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District in 2024.
The 2024 Michigan primary takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
The state’s 11th Congressional District incumbent, Democrat Haley Stevens, faces challenger Ahmed Ghanim. On the Republican side, two attorneys face off as Charles Frangie and Nick Somberg are both on the ballot.
Related: 2024 WDET Voter Guide
The 11th Congressional District includes Ferndale, Royal Oak, Pontiac, Oak Park and more. View the district’s map below.
Editor’s note: WDET distributed surveys to local, county and congressional candidates in key races on the August primary ballot to gain a deeper understanding of what’s motivating them to run. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
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Democratic Candidates
Name: Haley Stevens
Age: 41
Current Occupation: U.S. Congresswoman
Education: American University B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy, M.A. in Social Policy and Philosophy
Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.
I was born in Rochester Hills, Mich., and graduated from Seaholm High School in Birmingham. Before becoming the Congresswoman for Michigan’s 11th district, I served as the Chief of Staff to the U.S. Auto Rescue Task Force and my team saved General Motors, Chrysler and 200,000 Michigan jobs.
Now, as a member of Congress, I sit on the House Committees on Education and the Workforce and Science, Space & Technology, where I serve as the Ranking Member of the Research & Technology Subcommittee. My first bill that was signed into law, the Building Blocks of STEM Act, advanced the role of girls and students of color in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Making it possible for women of all ages to build successful lives and careers within my district and our country has always been one of my greatest passions.
Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th congressional district?
I am running for reelection to continue to build on my legislative progress on trade, manufacturing and industrial-policy issues. As part of my Manufacturing Monday program, I have conducted over 200 visits with manufacturers and my finger remains on the pulse of what Michigan’s workers and manufacturers need to succeed.
My record of accomplishment includes standing up for Michigan’s workers and families — from helping shepherd the CHIPS and Science Act into law to returning over $125 million to MI-11 families. We, however, have so much work to do to advance a trade agenda that strengthens America’s manufacturing base and supports Michigan taxpayers and businesses.
My district is in the heart of Michigan’s economic base — Oakland County — and I believe in serving as a convener to bring together stakeholders at municipal, state and federal levels to address challenges and seize opportunities. It is the joy of my life to work alongside these stakeholders and represent the communities I have long called home.
What are the top 3 priority issues that the 11th Congressional District faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?
Like many other communities across the country, the 11th Congressional District faces issues of injustice and I am running for reelection to rectify them. My top three priorities are as follows:
- To protect and enshrine women’s rights.
- To increase opportunities for women and girls in STEM education.
- To end the epidemic of gun violence.
What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?
Gun violence has become a larger issue in our country and the state of Michigan as time has gone on. That is why one of my top priorities is to do whatever I can to put an end to this epidemic. I have co-sponsored and voted for every piece of legislation aimed at reducing gun violence, even while millions were spent against me by the NRA and other Republicans for my policy views. We must end loopholes in the background checks system, from the boyfriend loopholes to the gun show ones. We have to crack down on ghost guns, assault weapons, and put in an endless amount of work to enforce these laws. No one, under any circumstances, should fall victim to gun violence.
What is your stance on abortion rights?
I unequivocally support a woman’s right to choose and have been endorsed each election cycle by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Abortion is healthcare and all women must be able to make the decision that is best for them and their families. Even as I had millions of dollars spent against me through Republican attacks, I voted twice in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade. Now more than ever, as the right to an abortion is under attack across the nation, we need pro-choice women in Congress who will never stop fighting to defend the right to choose.
What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?
I have worked to reduce inflation by voting for the Inflation Reduction Act which invested billions of dollars in domestic energy production, while lowering prescription drug costs and insurance premiums for seniors and working families. Families in my district are facing too many hardships due to the rising costs of living — and we owe it to them to make taxes reasonable, wages sufficient and basic services affordable.
What actions/decisions by your challenger have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?
I am not here to belittle or attack my opponent in this primary. I believe that my accomplishments, voting record and community activism will push us over the finish line in this election. Neither I, nor my team, have any interest in running a smear campaign as we have seen enough of this in our political arena.
Name: Ahmed Ghanim
Age: 49
Current job: Healthcare administrator
Education: Medical degree
Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.
I am Ahmed “A.G.” Ghanim, a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. With a background in health care management and foreign policy, I have 20 years of experience advocating for comprehensive health care reform, affordable housing, and robust reproductive rights. As an anti-establishment candidate, I oppose the influence of big money in politics and emphasize grassroots support. As an immigrant and minority, I champion immigration reform and the protection of civil rights. I am committed to education and criticize the misallocation of tax dollars to wars over schools. Additionally, I am dedicated to addressing climate change, gun violence, and ensuring a secure, equitable future for all Americans. My campaign slogan, “We Are The Answer,” underscores my belief in people-powered change.
Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th congressional district?
I am running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District to bring real change and restore true representation for our community. As a long-time resident of Ferndale and Oakland County, I understand the local issues and the need for comprehensive health care reform, affordable housing, and robust reproductive rights.
What are the top three priority issues that the 11th congressional district faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?
The top three priority issues facing Michigan’s 11th Congressional District are health care, inflation and education.
- Health care. Our district faces a severe shortage of nurses and doctors, with Michigan being one of the top 10 states in this shortage. With 20 years of experience in health care management, I will push for comprehensive health care reform to ensure everyone has access to quality care. This includes expanding Medicare, controlling prescription drug prices, and increasing the number of health care professionals through incentives and improved training programs to address these critical shortages.
- Inflation. Many families are struggling with the rising cost of living. I will support policies that help families fight against skyrocketing prices and work to lower the costs of everyday essentials like drugs and groceries. By addressing these critical areas, we can ease the financial burden on families and improve their quality of life.
- Education. Education should be treated as a national security issue because the most powerful countries are those with the highest levels of education. I will advocate for increased funding for public schools, improved teacher salaries, and greater access to affordable higher education and vocational training. Investing in education will not only prepare our children for the future but also enhance our nation’s global competitiveness and security.
What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?
As a father of three young children, their safety is my top priority. The recent shooting at a splash pad in Michigan is a stark reminder of how close gun violence can hit home. I am committed to enacting sensible gun reform to protect our communities while respecting the Second Amendment. This includes supporting common sense gun policies such as universal background checks, restrictions on high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes in gun purchases. I also back red flag laws to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others and believe in investing in mental health resources to tackle the root causes of violence. Responsible legislation is crucial to ensuring that our children and communities are safe from gun violence.
What is your stance on abortion rights?
I firmly support abortion rights as a fundamental aspect of reproductive health and personal freedom. I believe that every individual should have the right to make their own health care decisions without interference from the government. This includes access to safe and legal abortion services. I advocate for federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade, ensuring nationwide protection for abortion rights, and support continued funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide essential reproductive health services. Comprehensive maternal health services, paid parental leave, and equal treatment in the workplace for those seeking reproductive health services are also critical. Protecting reproductive rights is about safeguarding personal autonomy and ensuring equitable access to health care for everyone.
What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?
Regular people like you and me feel the impact of inflation every time we buy everyday essentials. To combat this crisis, I propose a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to tackle corporate greed and prevent price gouging by enforcing regulations to ensure fair pricing and holding companies accountable for unjustified price increases. Second, reducing the cost of essentials like drugs and groceries is crucial; this includes promoting pricing transparency, increasing competition, and providing relief from high prescription drug costs. Addressing affordable housing is also vital, as it helps combat inflation by making living costs more manageable. Finally, supporting families through reinvestment in local communities — such as improving public services, education, and infrastructure — will stimulate local economies and create job opportunities, helping families manage inflation’s impact while boosting economic growth at the grassroots level.
What actions/decisions by your challenger(s) have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?
I strongly disagree with several actions and decisions made by my challenger, Haley Stevens. Firstly, her fiscal irresponsibility is evident in her vote to fund wars while proposing to cut $14 billion from the IRS. This decision has contributed to an increase in the federal deficit, further burdening taxpayers and undermining our financial stability.
Additionally, Haley Stevens has undermined the integrity of our democratic process by accepting millions of dollars in dark money.* This not only raises questions about her commitment to transparency but also distorts the political process by prioritizing big money interests over the needs of her constituents.
*Editor’s note: Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ 2024 campaign contributions can be viewed here.
Furthermore, her refusal to participate in debates and forums over the past three months shows a disregard for the democratic principle of accountability. By ignoring these opportunities to engage with voters and discuss her positions compared to her opponents, she is neglecting her responsibility to be accessible and responsive to the people she represents.
In contrast, I am committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and active engagement with constituents. I will work to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and that our democracy remains robust and inclusive. My approach will be to maintain open lines of communication with the community and participate actively in public forums to address the issues that matter most to our district.
Republican Candidates
Name: Nick Somberg
Age: 34
Current Occupation: Attorney and entrepreneur
Education: BA, Oakland University | JD, Western Michigan Thomas Cooley Law School
Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.
I’m Nick Somberg, a dedicated attorney and entrepreneur from Bingham Farms, Mich. I’ve built my career on defending liberty, battling government corruption, and fighting for those who can’t defend themselves. As a millennial, a self-made entrepreneur and a lawyer, I understand the challenges facing everyday Americans. I’ve fought against prosecutors, judges and corrupt police — securing justice and protecting individual freedoms. I am inspired by the principles of liberty and constitutional, I feel called to step up in these critical times. My candidacy isn’t just about political parties — it’s about restoring faith in our system and ensuring that every American’s voice is heard.
Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District?
I am running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District because I believe our country needs leaders who are committed to preserving our national identity, promoting economic growth, and defending individual freedoms. I want to help save America. Things aren’t going well, and that’s why I’m stepping up.
I’ve never run for office before, but I want to make a difference and do what’s right. My candidacy goes beyond political parties — it’s about whether you love America and the principles this country stands for. As someone who has fought corruption and defended liberty, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to Congress and address the key issues that matter to all of us.
What are the top 3 priority issues that the 11th Congressional District faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Action: Support policies that reduce taxes and regulations on small businesses to foster economic growth and create jobs. Advocate for investment in local infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy and provide employment opportunities.
Healthcare Reform
Action: Work towards making healthcare more affordable and accessible by promoting competition in the healthcare market and supporting policies that reduce prescription drug costs. Push for transparency in healthcare pricing to empower consumers.
Education and Workforce Development
Action: Advocate for increased funding for vocational and technical education programs to provide students with the skills needed for today’s job market. Support policies that make higher education more affordable and reduce student loan debt.
What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?
I firmly support the Second Amendment, which exists to allow citizens to defend themselves, including against potential government overreach. I support nationwide concealed carry, the elimination of unnecessary gun laws. I advocate for common-sense security measures in schools, such as mandatory check-in points similar to those in courthouses. Any reforms must respect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while addressing the issue of gun violence through better enforcement of existing laws and improved mental health support.
What is your stance on abortion rights?
It is always difficult when a woman who is contemplating abortion has the government involved with her decision. With the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, decisions on abortion are now up to the states. Personally, I am pro-life, believing that abortion is a sin against God. I agree with legal exceptions for the life of the mother, cases of rape and incest, and within the first trimester.
We need to change the culture in America to reduce the number of abortions by promoting adoption, supporting women and families facing tough decisions, and investing in education and preventive measures to reduce unintended pregnancies. Additionally, men currently have zero reproductive rights and face systematic discrimination in family courts. We need family law reform to ensure men and women are treated equally.
What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?
To combat the current inflation crisis, we need to address wasteful government spending and implement sound fiscal policies. My approach includes:
Reducing Wasteful Spending
Eliminate unnecessary government expenditures and redirect funds to essential services and infrastructure.
Stop Printing Money
We need to stop printing money that is not backed by tangible assets, as this devalues our currency and fuels inflation.
Audit or Eliminate the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve’s practices need to be scrutinized, and I support either auditing or eventually eliminating it to prevent irresponsible monetary policies.
Promoting Economic Growth
Support policies that stimulate economic growth, such as tax cuts and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses.
Strengthening the Dollar
Advocate for monetary policies that strengthen the dollar and control inflation, including prudent management of interest rates by the Federal Reserve.
What actions/decisions by your challenger have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?
Haley Stevens has demonstrated a lack of respect for the Second Amendment, as evidenced by her behavior at a gun control rally where she shouted, “The NRA has got to go!” This reaction shows her disregard for the rights of law-abiding gun owners and the Constitution. I firmly support the Second Amendment and believe in protecting the right to bear arms.
Stevens is also pro-lockdown and anti-freedom, having supported strict lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures infringed on personal freedoms and caused significant economic harm. I believe in balancing public health with individual rights and would advocate for policies that respect both.
Moreover, Stevens has shown unwavering support for Joe Biden, even when it was clear that he was not physically or mentally fit for the presidency. This blind allegiance to party lines over the best interests of the country is concerning. I prioritize the well-being of my constituents and the nation over party politics, and I will always advocate for what is right, regardless of party lines.
Name: Charles Frangie
Age: 74
Current Occupation: Attorney
Education: LLM, University of Mississippi Law School
Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.
My father was born in the United States of parents who had emigrated from Lebanon. He returned to Lebanon as a young man, married my mother and I was born in Lebanon. Our family escaped war-torn Lebanon and returned to the United States in the early 1980s, finding freedom in this great nation. I became an American citizen after going through the naturalization process.
Before coming to America, I received a law degree from the University of Lebanon, and here in America I received a law degree and master of law from the University of Mississippi. I built a successful legal practice in Oakland County. My wife and I have two daughters.
Like so many immigrants here in Southeast Michigan, I have prospered in the freedom guaranteed in this great nation. My conservative principles are grounded in my Christian faith and enhanced by my belief in individual liberty. That’s why I have worked so hard to guarantee justice for all in my community. I also want every citizen to have the ability to achieve the American Dream as I have. I will never stop working to make that dream a reality for all.
Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District?
America is at a crossroads and I believe that citizens of goodwill must step forward to serve. Too many families are suffering in this economy and I believe I can do a better job to reflect the needs of those families.
What are the top 3 priority issues that the 11th Congressional District faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?
First, we must make this economy work for American families by getting control of inflation which is a stealth tax on their bottom line. We must get government spending, which drives up inflation, under control. We must reduce taxes on families and small businesses which are the engine that drives our economy forward, and reduce government overregulation, which is a foot on the neck of those seeking to help grow our economy.
Second, we must secure our southern border and stop the illegal immigration that is a drag on our economy and has allowed criminals who’ve raped and murdered innocent Americans, people on the terrorist watch list, and deadly drugs to flow across our border. The border must be secured.
Third, we must end the Biden-Harris electric vehicle mandate which threatens Michigan’s most vital industry. Over 80% of all minerals needed to make electric vehicle batteries are controlled or processed by, China so this mandate makes us far more dependent on China. While electric vehicles may have a place in the market, government must not dictate what type of car people should drive.
What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?
As a lawyer, I understand that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding American citizens to own firearms. I am willing to have conversations on reasonable efforts to keep our communities and schools safe and secure within the parameters of the Second Amendment. There are also many laws on the books now that are not enforced, particularly against criminals who use firearms while committing crimes. Prosecutors need to enforce those laws first before going after law-abiding citizens.
What is your stance on abortion rights?
I am personally pro-life which is grounded in my Christian faith. I understand others have different views, and the people of Michigan settled this issue in our state with the passage of Proposal 3 in 2022. I will not pass any legislation that goes against the will of the people I’m elected to represent.
What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?
Inflation was driven up by out of control government spending. Particularly the Green New Deal-type legislation that pumped an endless supply of money into the economy and cheapened the value of every family’s hard earned dollars. This pumping of money has also forced the Federal Reserve to dramatically raise interest rates, making everything from buying a home, paying off credit cards, buying a car and everything else that is done on credit unaffordable.
We need to cut back, make government live within its means, and allow American taxpayers to keep more of what they earn. That is the only way to solve this terrible stealth tax on American families of inflation and high interest rates.
What actions/decisions by your challenger have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?
Congresswoman Stevens has voted with the Biden-Harris administration nearly 100% of the time. Supporting massive spending that has driven up inflation, the EV mandate which threatens our auto industry, and the open southern border that has led to over 10,000,000 illegal border crossings. I would have voted opposite on each and every one of those issues.
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