Emily Busch

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Emily Busch completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Busch's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading-bio-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m Emily Busch, a mom and gun safety advocate from Michigan. I’m running for office because almost three years ago my son ran for his life during a mass shooting at his high school. After nearly 25 years working in sales in and around Southeast Michigan, my personal and professional life changed overnight on November 30, 2021 when a 15 year old walked into Oxford High School and opened fire on his classmates. I was immediately compelled the step off the sidelines and begin organizing families, friends, and neighbors to advocate for commonsense gun safety measures to be taken at the state level in Michigan. We successfully passed a legislative blueprint for gun violence prevention in Michigan not long after, and now I’m running for Congress because I’m motivated to bring my advocacy and commitment to gun violence prevention to the federal level. \r\nPrior to running for Congress, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Indiana University - Bloomington and my Master’s degree in Management, Strategy, and Leadership from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. I’m married to a retired union firefighter and Marine, and we have two children. I am running for office because our kids deserve better, and when I make it to Washington I promise to fight for the families of Southeast Michigan and families around the country as hard as I do my own.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading-key-message-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Shootings like the Oxford High School tragedy that claimed the lives of 4 children and injured 7 others are a symptom of a uniquely American problem; guns are the leading cause of death for children in the US. Despite the devastating loss of life and the aftermath of these shootings, Republicans consistently block gun safety measures that could prevent these atrocities from occurring. We need immediate and decisive legislative action at the federal level to address this crisis. I know firsthand the devastation that gun violence inflicts on our communities, and I promise to be a relentless advocate for gun safety and expanding mental healthcare when I get to the U.S. Congress. Our prolonged inaction is killing our kids.</li><li>It has been two years since the fall of Roe vs. Wade. Since then Republicans have introduced 380+ bills attacking reproductive care with 21 states restricting/banning abortion.\r\nMAGA Republicans have already devastated women and families with their extremist anti-choice agenda, and with attacks on IVF, birth control, and more, we’ve already seen evidence that they won’t stop at a national abortion ban. We cannot afford to let young people today grow up with fewer rights than folks my age had growing up. I have been unequivocally pro-choice my entire life, and I promise I will be a tireless advocate for our reproductive freedom in Congress. We can’t and we won't let extremists dictate our healthcare choices.</li><li>We have strong unions in this country not because of politicians who walked picket lines, but because of working people who saw a problem, rolled up their sleeves, and fought to fix it. As the only candidate in this race relying on benefits negotiated by a union, this isn’t just a talking point for me — I understand its importance because my family depends on it. My husband is a retired union firefighter, and I see firsthand how vital union support is to our family's well-being.\r\n\r\nI am proud to live in a state that overturned an egregious anti-union “right to work law,” and with our nation’s labor movement and the future of workers rights reaching a pivotal point, I believe we need to elect more pro-union leaders to meet the moment.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading1-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tGun violence is the issue for me that got me off of the sidelines, and I am fiercely passionate about the fight for reform on the national level similar to the legislative blue-print Michigan has in place for common sense gun safety measures: universal background checks, secure storage, and red flag laws for individuals in crisis or domestic violence situations. Beyond gun violence prevention, enshrining reproductive rights into law, securing the personal freedoms of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting and strengthening unions, expanding access to affordable, adequate healthcare, increasing educational opportunities for all, combating climate change, and building an economy to help working families are other priorities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading2-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to an entire generation. Generation Z has been shouldered with the burden of solving the problems that Gen X has refused to address effectively, like gun violence, the growing gaps between the haves and the have-nots, the climate crisis, the lack of good-paying jobs and affordable housing, and our failing healthcare and national infrastructure systems.<br/><br/>\r\nGeneration Z has taken on this charge and has created entire movements to tackle these issues that all of us, especially young people, face. They are not just inheriting the world; they are actively shaping it. Their determination and activism are inspiring, and I am committed to supporting their efforts and bringing their voices to Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading3-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI pride myself on my authenticity and my ability to bring people together. I am an analytical thinker who approaches problems with a clear, data-driven mindset. Throughout my career, Masters studies and recent advocacy work, I've demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to diverse perspectives and finding common ground. My resilience, Midwest grit, dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to my community equip me to be a successful congresswoman.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading4-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA congressperson’s core responsibility is to effectively balance two jobs: representative and legislator. As a representative, one must be available to the constituency, effectively listen, and consistently show up for the people they represent. But this is only part of the job. <br/><br/>\r\nAs a legislator, it is equally important to introduce, advocate for, and pass laws that reflect the needs and values of our community. This means being present in Congress, engaging in informed debate, and building coalitions to drive meaningful change. Balancing these roles requires dedication, empathy, and a relentless commitment to serving the public. It also involves consulting with the experts on the issues that matter to our communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading5-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne struggle in my life has been battling imposter syndrome and breaking free from societal norms imposed on women. For decades, I have worked to override these limiting beliefs, and like most struggles, it is a work in progress. Being a mom should empower people, especially women, but often society tells us otherwise. Women are natural problem solvers, innate multitaskers, and compassionate leaders through vulnerability and adversity. I've faced this challenge head-on, and it has strengthened my resolve to empower other women and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Women are emerging from the days of being seen and not heard, and I’m proud to know that I’ve been an inspiration for many of them.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading6-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEven if Democrats and democracy prevail this cycle, we won't be entirely safe from those who continue to assault our freedoms. If Democrats lose and our democracy falls, we could spend the next decade and beyond clawing back what extreme Republicans have laid out in Project 2025. We will never make progress on federal gun safety legislation, we will see a continuation of the Dobbs era with the potential for a national abortion ban, and we will certainly witness corporate tax cuts and a widening income gap. We are at an inflection point in our nation’s history. This election could very well determine the direction and challenges our great experiment called democracy will face, and it’s our job to ensure we elect leaders up and down the ticket who will fight tirelessly to preserve and strengthen our democracy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading7-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhile advocating for our groundbreaking ‘red flag’ law in Michigan last year, I met a woman who tragically lost both of her children to gun violence, including her transgender daughter. She tried desperately to get her daughter help and to have guns removed from her home during a foreseeable moment of crisis, but she was unable to call on our judicial system and law enforcement due to the absence of an extreme risk protection order law.<br/><br/>\r\nIn a society where we fail to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and have more civilian-owned firearms than people, these issues converge to create a hostile environment for our kids. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to experience gun violence compared to their straight and cisgender peers. We need to do more to protect them.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading8-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t100%. Full stop. Collaboration, compromise, and coalition-building are necessary to effectively represent and legislate for our communities. I will, however, never compromise on issues that threaten the safety of our kids, communities, and bodily autonomy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-194273-2024-07-08\" id=\"heading9-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-194273-2024-07-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-194273-2024-07-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-194273-2024-07-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEverytown, Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady PAC, Ban Assault Weapons Now, Their Future Our Vote, Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nEmily Busch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Busch's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m Emily Busch, a mom and gun safety advocate from Michigan. I’m running for office because almost three years ago my son ran for his life during a mass shooting at his high school. After nearly 25 years working in sales in and around Southeast Michigan, my personal and professional life changed overnight on November 30, 2021 when a 15 year old walked into Oxford High School and opened fire on his classmates. I was immediately compelled the step off the sidelines and begin organizing families, friends, and neighbors to advocate for commonsense gun safety measures to be taken at the state level in Michigan. We successfully passed a legislative blueprint for gun violence prevention in Michigan not long after, and now I’m running for Congress because I’m motivated to bring my advocacy and commitment to gun violence prevention to the federal level. \r\nPrior to running for Congress, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Indiana University - Bloomington and my Master’s degree in Management, Strategy, and Leadership from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. I’m married to a retired union firefighter and Marine, and we have two children. I am running for office because our kids deserve better, and when I make it to Washington I promise to fight for the families of Southeast Michigan and families around the country as hard as I do my own. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Shootings like the Oxford High School tragedy that claimed the lives of 4 children and injured 7 others are a symptom of a uniquely American problem; guns are the leading cause of death for children in the US. Despite the devastating loss of life and the aftermath of these shootings, Republicans consistently block gun safety measures that could prevent these atrocities from occurring. We need immediate and decisive legislative action at the federal level to address this crisis. I know firsthand the devastation that gun violence inflicts on our communities, and I promise to be a relentless advocate for gun safety and expanding mental healthcare when I get to the U.S. Congress. Our prolonged inaction is killing our kids. It has been two years since the fall of Roe vs. Wade. Since then Republicans have introduced 380+ bills attacking reproductive care with 21 states restricting/banning abortion.\r\nMAGA Republicans have already devastated women and families with their extremist anti-choice agenda, and with attacks on IVF, birth control, and more, we’ve already seen evidence that they won’t stop at a national abortion ban. We cannot afford to let young people today grow up with fewer rights than folks my age had growing up. I have been unequivocally pro-choice my entire life, and I promise I will be a tireless advocate for our reproductive freedom in Congress. We can’t and we won't let extremists dictate our healthcare choices. We have strong unions in this country not because of politicians who walked picket lines, but because of working people who saw a problem, rolled up their sleeves, and fought to fix it. As the only candidate in this race relying on benefits negotiated by a union, this isn’t just a talking point for me — I understand its importance because my family depends on it. My husband is a retired union firefighter, and I see firsthand how vital union support is to our family's well-being.\r\n\r\nI am proud to live in a state that overturned an egregious anti-union “right to work law,” and with our nation’s labor movement and the future of workers rights reaching a pivotal point, I believe we need to elect more pro-union leaders to meet the moment. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Gun violence is the issue for me that got me off of the sidelines, and I am fiercely passionate about the fight for reform on the national level similar to the legislative blue-print Michigan has in place for common sense gun safety measures: universal background checks, secure storage, and red flag laws for individuals in crisis or domestic violence situations. Beyond gun violence prevention, enshrining reproductive rights into law, securing the personal freedoms of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting and strengthening unions, expanding access to affordable, adequate healthcare, increasing educational opportunities for all, combating climate change, and building an economy to help working families are other priorities. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to an entire generation. Generation Z has been shouldered with the burden of solving the problems that Gen X has refused to address effectively, like gun violence, the growing gaps between the haves and the have-nots, the climate crisis, the lack of good-paying jobs and affordable housing, and our failing healthcare and national infrastructure systems. Generation Z has taken on this charge and has created entire movements to tackle these issues that all of us, especially young people, face. They are not just inheriting the world; they are actively shaping it. Their determination and activism are inspiring, and I am committed to supporting their efforts and bringing their voices to Congress. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I pride myself on my authenticity and my ability to bring people together. I am an analytical thinker who approaches problems with a clear, data-driven mindset. Throughout my career, Masters studies and recent advocacy work, I've demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to diverse perspectives and finding common ground. My resilience, Midwest grit, dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to my community equip me to be a successful congresswoman. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? A congressperson’s core responsibility is to effectively balance two jobs: representative and legislator. As a representative, one must be available to the constituency, effectively listen, and consistently show up for the people they represent. But this is only part of the job. As a legislator, it is equally important to introduce, advocate for, and pass laws that reflect the needs and values of our community. This means being present in Congress, engaging in informed debate, and building coalitions to drive meaningful change. Balancing these roles requires dedication, empathy, and a relentless commitment to serving the public. It also involves consulting with the experts on the issues that matter to our communities. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? One struggle in my life has been battling imposter syndrome and breaking free from societal norms imposed on women. For decades, I have worked to override these limiting beliefs, and like most struggles, it is a work in progress. Being a mom should empower people, especially women, but often society tells us otherwise. Women are natural problem solvers, innate multitaskers, and compassionate leaders through vulnerability and adversity. I've faced this challenge head-on, and it has strengthened my resolve to empower other women and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Women are emerging from the days of being seen and not heard, and I’m proud to know that I’ve been an inspiration for many of them. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Even if Democrats and democracy prevail this cycle, we won't be entirely safe from those who continue to assault our freedoms. If Democrats lose and our democracy falls, we could spend the next decade and beyond clawing back what extreme Republicans have laid out in Project 2025. We will never make progress on federal gun safety legislation, we will see a continuation of the Dobbs era with the potential for a national abortion ban, and we will certainly witness corporate tax cuts and a widening income gap. We are at an inflection point in our nation’s history. This election could very well determine the direction and challenges our great experiment called democracy will face, and it’s our job to ensure we elect leaders up and down the ticket who will fight tirelessly to preserve and strengthen our democracy. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? While advocating for our groundbreaking ‘red flag’ law in Michigan last year, I met a woman who tragically lost both of her children to gun violence, including her transgender daughter. She tried desperately to get her daughter help and to have guns removed from her home during a foreseeable moment of crisis, but she was unable to call on our judicial system and law enforcement due to the absence of an extreme risk protection order law. In a society where we fail to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and have more civilian-owned firearms than people, these issues converge to create a hostile environment for our kids. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to experience gun violence compared to their straight and cisgender peers. We need to do more to protect them. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? 100%. Full stop. Collaboration, compromise, and coalition-building are necessary to effectively represent and legislate for our communities. I will, however, never compromise on issues that threaten the safety of our kids, communities, and bodily autonomy. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Everytown, Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady PAC, Ban Assault Weapons Now, Their Future Our Vote, Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Busch’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><big><b> THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AREN'T ENOUGH</b></big><br/>\nGuns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens, and a staggering one-in-five U.S. adults have had a family member killed by a gun. This uniquely American problem is deeply personal for Emily, the mother of a school shooting survivor. Galvanized to protect other families and communities from similar trauma, Emily has advocated at the state level for historic common-sense gun safety legislation alongside other parents, teachers, students, families and survivors. She will take that invaluable perspective and drive for solutions to Congress because Michigan kids and communities deserve better than “thoughts &amp; prayers.”<br/><br/>\n<big><b>SECURE PERSONAL FREEDOMS</b></big><br/>\nExtremist politicians like John James are mounting a nationwide assault on our rights from banning books, to banning abortion, to attacking LGBTQ kids. Emily believes that every American should have the right to read what they want, love who they love, and make the best decision for themselves about if, when, and how to start or grow a family, free from political or governmental interference. In Congress, she will be a steadfast voice to protect abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and the personal freedoms of every Michigander.<br/><br/>\n<big><b>STRONGER, FAIRER ECONOMY</b></big><br/>\nAs a working parent, Emily knows the stress that weighs on families' minds these days and is laser focused on making our economy work better for every Michigan family. That starts with upholding the dignity of work and ensuring that hard work is respected, rewarded, and protected. Emily will always stand up for workers and organized labor, and prioritize solutions that put financial stability in reach for everyone, not just a select few.<br/><br/>\n<big><b>SAFER, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES</b></big><br/>\nHaving spent nearly 30 years in the business sector, Emily experienced the impact of corporations prioritizing profits over people first-hand and walked away with problem-solving skills that will equip her to work with anyone to tackle our most urgent challenges. Too many Michigan families are forced to decide every month between paying for medicine and paying their rent. Emily understands what it's like to struggle with high healthcare costs, and to go without health care entirely. In Congress, Emily will work to expand access to healthcare, lower everyday costs for working families, and focus on the issues that matter most to Michiganders, from keeping our kids safe to keeping more money in families' wallets, so you can worry less and focus more on the things that are important to you.\n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Emily Busch’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Emily Busch completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Busch's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-130822-2022-07-09\" id=\"heading-bio-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-130822-2022-07-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-130822-2022-07-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a mom to an Oxford High School Freshman and wife to a retired 25-year career firefighter and Marine. I settled in Oxford 17 years ago because I wanted to raise a family in a place with good schools and neighbors who knew each other, a place with safe neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. I’ve spent 28 years in corporate America enjoying a successful career in sales and management.\r\nAfter the November 30, 2021 shooting at Oxford High School I saw my community plunged into grief, sadness, and anger. We needed a leader who could bring us together to comfort, support, and help each other. I saw a community united in grief but divided by politics. We need to see each other not as “red” or “blue,” but as people first.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-130822-2022-07-09\" id=\"heading-key-message-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-130822-2022-07-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-130822-2022-07-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>EDUCATION Michigan has so many great public schools and teachers. Unfortunately, public school funding has been undermined for decades and our teachers, after going to great lengths to teach and support their students during the pandemic, are now facing unfair attacks by those who do not value public education. As a result, Michigan is facing a teacher shortage. This has to stop. We can and must do a better job of supporting the teachers who have dedicated their lives to educating our kids.</li><li>MENTAL HEALTH This issue is very personal to me. After my son was born in 2007, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. In 2009, my son’s father was diagnosed as bipolar. He struggled with this diagnosis and his inability to find adequate treatment until his death at age 53. Going to the doctor to care for your brain should be no different than going to the doctor to care for your heart or lungs. We must end the stigma surrounding mental illness and make sure people have access to mental health care no matter their age or income.</li><li>COMMUNITY I pride myself on bringing people together. I believe in being good to each other as humans. I believe we need to not only listen to each other, we need to hear each other. Maybe then we’ll see that we have more similarities than differences. This district deserves a leader who understands the people of this district, what we value, and what we need. A leader who can bring us together based on shared values.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-130822-2022-07-09\" id=\"heading1-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-130822-2022-07-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-130822-2022-07-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-130822-2022-07-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support a healthy environment. One of the things that makes living in Northern Oakland County so great are our many lakes and green spaces. Protecting our water and air is essential for life. Climate change is real and cannot be ignored. I want to see Michigan become a leader in renewable energy sources. We already make the best cars in the world and are well positioned to be a leader in making vehicles that run on renewable resources. <br/><br/>\n<p>I support women. During my time in corporate America, I faced many obstacles simply for being a woman. I was subjected to sexual harassment and made less money than my male counterparts. That’s wrong. Women perform a lot of unpaid labor that helps keep our society running smoothly. We also need to trust women with their own reproductive choices. Whether or not someone has a child should not be decided by politicians.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI support workers. Having grown up in a white-collar household yet being married to a blue-collar union man gives me a unique perspective. I learned from my firefighter husband why unions are important. I support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain. I also support paid family leave and paid sick days so that Michigan’s workers can afford to take care of themselves and their families.<br/><br/></span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Busch’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AREN'T ENOUGH Guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens, and a staggering one-in-five U.S. adults have had a family member killed by a gun. This uniquely American problem is deeply personal for Emily, the mother of a school shooting survivor. Galvanized to protect other families and communities from similar trauma, Emily has advocated at the state level for historic common-sense gun safety legislation alongside other parents, teachers, students, families and survivors. She will take that invaluable perspective and drive for solutions to Congress because Michigan kids and communities deserve better than “thoughts & prayers.” SECURE PERSONAL FREEDOMS Extremist politicians like John James are mounting a nationwide assault on our rights from banning books, to banning abortion, to attacking LGBTQ kids. Emily believes that every American should have the right to read what they want, love who they love, and make the best decision for themselves about if, when, and how to start or grow a family, free from political or governmental interference. In Congress, she will be a steadfast voice to protect abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and the personal freedoms of every Michigander. STRONGER, FAIRER ECONOMY As a working parent, Emily knows the stress that weighs on families' minds these days and is laser focused on making our economy work better for every Michigan family. That starts with upholding the dignity of work and ensuring that hard work is respected, rewarded, and protected. Emily will always stand up for workers and organized labor, and prioritize solutions that put financial stability in reach for everyone, not just a select few. SAFER, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES Having spent nearly 30 years in the business sector, Emily experienced the impact of corporations prioritizing profits over people first-hand and walked away with problem-solving skills that will equip her to work with anyone to tackle our most urgent challenges. Too many Michigan families are forced to decide every month between paying for medicine and paying their rent. Emily understands what it's like to struggle with high healthcare costs, and to go without health care entirely. In Congress, Emily will work to expand access to healthcare, lower everyday costs for working families, and focus on the issues that matter most to Michiganders, from keeping our kids safe to keeping more money in families' wallets, so you can worry less and focus more on the things that are important to you. [3] ” —Emily Busch’s campaign website (2024) [4]\n\n\nEmily Busch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Busch's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a mom to an Oxford High School Freshman and wife to a retired 25-year career firefighter and Marine. I settled in Oxford 17 years ago because I wanted to raise a family in a place with good schools and neighbors who knew each other, a place with safe neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. I’ve spent 28 years in corporate America enjoying a successful career in sales and management.\r\nAfter the November 30, 2021 shooting at Oxford High School I saw my community plunged into grief, sadness, and anger. We needed a leader who could bring us together to comfort, support, and help each other. I saw a community united in grief but divided by politics. We need to see each other not as “red” or “blue,” but as people first. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? EDUCATION Michigan has so many great public schools and teachers. Unfortunately, public school funding has been undermined for decades and our teachers, after going to great lengths to teach and support their students during the pandemic, are now facing unfair attacks by those who do not value public education. As a result, Michigan is facing a teacher shortage. This has to stop. We can and must do a better job of supporting the teachers who have dedicated their lives to educating our kids. MENTAL HEALTH This issue is very personal to me. After my son was born in 2007, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. In 2009, my son’s father was diagnosed as bipolar. He struggled with this diagnosis and his inability to find adequate treatment until his death at age 53. Going to the doctor to care for your brain should be no different than going to the doctor to care for your heart or lungs. We must end the stigma surrounding mental illness and make sure people have access to mental health care no matter their age or income. COMMUNITY I pride myself on bringing people together. I believe in being good to each other as humans. I believe we need to not only listen to each other, we need to hear each other. Maybe then we’ll see that we have more similarities than differences. This district deserves a leader who understands the people of this district, what we value, and what we need. A leader who can bring us together based on shared values. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I support a healthy environment. One of the things that makes living in Northern Oakland County so great are our many lakes and green spaces. Protecting our water and air is essential for life. Climate change is real and cannot be ignored. I want to see Michigan become a leader in renewable energy sources. We already make the best cars in the world and are well positioned to be a leader in making vehicles that run on renewable resources. I support women. During my time in corporate America, I faced many obstacles simply for being a woman. I was subjected to sexual harassment and made less money than my male counterparts. That’s wrong. Women perform a lot of unpaid labor that helps keep our society running smoothly. We also need to trust women with their own reproductive choices. Whether or not someone has a child should not be decided by politicians. I support workers. Having grown up in a white-collar household yet being married to a blue-collar union man gives me a unique perspective. I learned from my firefighter husband why unions are important. I support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain. I also support paid family leave and paid sick days so that Michigan’s workers can afford to take care of themselves and their families.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]