Help Me, Help Us.
Putting People Before Politics. I’m running to give power back to the people — not parties, not corporations. Together, we can build a system that truly represents us all… so help me help us. Real change starts when we take it back into our own hands.
T.J. Stephens
My Pledge
Honest – Honesty isn’t just the best policy — it’s the only policy.
Communicate – I’ll explain policies clearly and in ways everyone can understand, using relatable examples and analogies.
Transparent – I have nothing to hide, and neither should our government. My mission is to keep Michiganders informed and the process clear.
Listen – I’ll work to put power back in your hands, ensuring your voice guides my vote.
Promises – I will never promise what I can’t deliver. We’ve had enough broken commitments.
Common Sense – I represent the people’s best interests and will never vote against them — just as I’ve never voted against my own.
Why am I running?
The first question I usually get is, “Why are you running?”
Honestly, it’s hard to give just one reason — because there isn’t just one. It’s a mix of life experiences, frustrations, and a deep sense of calling. But here’s the heart of it.
To be the change I want to see.
As an “elder” millennial, I’ve lived through a lot: the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, the Oklahoma City bombing, countless school shootings, 9/11, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 housing crash, increasing political polarization, and January 6th. My generation is tired. We just want the country we were promised, one where if you work hard, stay loyal, and do the right thing, you can enjoy the rewards of your labor. Instead, we’ve been handed empty promises by people more interested in showmanship than solutions.
Because I care deeply about our future.
I follow politics closely, not because it’s fun, but because I understand how the decisions made today will shape the lives of generations to come. If we keep making the wrong choices and ignoring the people’s voice, we risk losing the very foundation of this country. That’s not fear-mongering, it’s reality.
Because I know the struggle.
I’m not alone in feeling the pinch of rising costs while wages stay flat. I’ve been making the same income since 2015, and I’ve learned I’m not “bad with money” life is simply more expensive than it was a decade ago. Many of us are just trying to keep the lights on while still putting healthy food on the table.
Because I felt called to do this.
I turn 40 this year, and I’ve been reflecting a lot. One night, standing in the shower, I asked the universe: “Why? What’s my purpose?” And I got my answer. My whole life has been about helping others, from cleaning a friend’s house just so we could go play, to serving as a volunteer firefighter. That night, I felt it, the push to step up and help on a larger scale. Call it God, fate, or something else entirely, but when a calling comes, I answer.
Because I don’t back down from a challenge.
If I’m going to do something, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. And yes, a part of me wants to prove wrong every bully, every doubter, and every naysayer I’ve ever met.
Because I want to make my Mimi proud.
She has been my biggest supporter, my entire life. I’d love to give her something she can proudly brag about to her friends.
I’m running because I believe we deserve better. Bec
Who am I?
Here’s the short version of my story: I’m 39 years old and currently a senior executive in the medical software industry. I grew up in Ennis, Texas, and in the third grade, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Back then, the condition wasn’t well understood, and there were a lot of misconceptions about it. Still, I learned to navigate those challenges, and in the process, it shaped me into the person I am today.
At 17, I moved to South Texas to live with my grandmother. I finished high school and gave college a try, but I quickly realized I’m a hands-on learner. So, I left school and went to work offshore on an oil rig. Over the years, I worked in several different industries, picking up valuable skills and perspectives along the way.
Eventually, my best friends and I landed in Austin, Texas, where I met my now-husband of 17 years. Together, we launched a real estate investment firm, and in 2019, we traveled to Michigan to combine his passion for creating with my passion for helping others — with the goal of improving housing conditions and strengthening communities.
Questions?
Got questions? I welcome them. Whether you want to know more about my platform, share your ideas, or challenge my views, I believe open and respectful conversation is the foundation of real representation. This campaign isn’t just about me — it’s about us. Your concerns, your ideas, and your feedback matter, and I’m here to listen. Reach out anytime, and let’s talk about the issues that matter most to you and our community.