In a recent interview, Assembly District 37 candidates Shea Backus and David Brog shared their views on various important issues in the district. The race is expected to be tight, with Backus winning by a small margin in the previous election. This year’s race is crucial as it could impact the Democrats’ supermajority in the lower chamber.
Backus, a Democrat, is facing off against Brog, a former executive director and Republican candidate. The candidates have been actively fundraising for their campaigns, with Brog positioning himself as a pragmatic centrist and Backus highlighting her legislative record.
When it comes to education, Backus is advocating for free school meals for all K-12 students, while Brog believes that funding should be allocated to Opportunity Scholarships to provide more educational opportunities. The candidates also have differing views on criminal justice reform, with Brog aiming to reverse a 2019 bipartisan reform package and Backus supporting the legislation.
In terms of healthcare, both candidates are focused on increasing the number of doctors in the state and ensuring adequate Medicaid reimbursement rates. Brog supports a voter ID requirement, while Backus opposes it, citing existing registration requirements. The candidates also differ on ballot harvesting and gun control policies.
Housing development on federally owned land has bipartisan support, with Brog emphasizing the need to streamline the process, and Backus highlighting concerns about natural resources. The candidates also have contrasting views on environmental policies, tax credits, vetoes, and gaming legislation.
Overall, the race for Assembly District 37 is shaping up to be a closely contested one, with Backus and Brog offering voters distinct choices on key issues affecting the district. As the election approaches, residents will have the opportunity to weigh the candidates’ positions and decide who will best represent their interests in the state Assembly.