SAGINAW, Mich.– Two veteran Michigan elected leaders at the state and federal levels, and board members of the bipartisan DemocracyDefense Project, engaged Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)students Monday in discussions about democracy, the importance of voting and the value of civil discourse in U.S. politics. 

Former Congressman Mike Bishop, a Republican, and former Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry, a Democrat, engagedwith SVSU College Democrats, College Republicans and political science studentsahead of the 2026 midterm elections on SVSU’s campus. Former Govs. Jim Blanchard, a Democrat, and John Engler, a Republican, are also DDP Michigan board members. The event was jointly organized by SVSU’s Republican and Democratic student organizations.

“Young voters have a huge role to play in the future of our democracy, and that’s why the Democracy Defense Project is excited to support their deep interest in our elections,” Bishop said. “We’re truly encouraged to see college students come together as young Republicans and young Democrats to find common ground as they deepen their knowledge of our democracy. On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, their ability to work together for the future of our republic is a good sign and one all Americans should strive for.”

“One of our priorities at the Democracy Defense Project is making sure we shine a light on safety and security measures that are already in place in Michigan elections. Another is to inform voters about the importance of playing an active role in local elections – and we managed to do both at our amazing meeting with Saginaw Valley students,” Cherry said. “As DDP board members, we want to help inform voters of all ages andbackgrounds that Michigan elections feature a wide range of safeguards that help ensure voting is secure and transparent.”

Bishop and Cherry met with students and joined a political science course taught by SVSU Assistant Professor Kevin Lorentz, who is also involved in certifying Michigan election results.Cherry and Bishop discussed democracy, election security and their experiences building bridges and working on important public policies at the local, state and federal levels. 

“Elections are crucial to ensuring American democracy functions. It is important that we all – Democrat, Republican, and Independent alike – have faith in our elections,” Lorentz said. “Dialogues like these ensure that despite our strong disagreement on policy issues, we can all have faith that our electoral system truly reflects the people’s will — now, before, and for the next 250 years.”

“As young voters, we value the importance of our vote and the health of our democracy. However, participation requires trust,” said Rylee Livesay, a senior majoring inhistory and vice president of SVSU College Republicans. “We support the Democracy Defense Project because we are committed to restoring faith in our elections. Voters like us and those that follow should be able to head to the polls with absolute confidence.” 

“As young people preparing for our future, either by looking for jobs, housing and other opportunities, one of the greatest things we can do for our future is vote,” said Lauren Potvin, a junior majoring in political science and president of the SVSU College Democrats. “Supporting the candidates and causes we believe in whether through voting, volunteering or simply sharing views through civil dialogue and having faith in our democracy aresome of the best ways to defend our future.”

Before he was elected as a member of Congress representingOakland County from 2015 to 2019, Bishop served as the Majority Leader in the Michigan state Senate and as a state representative.Before serving as Michigan’s 62ndlieutenant governor from 2003 to 2011, Cherry served as the Minority Leader in the Michigan state Senate and as a state representative.

Former Michigan Congressman Mike Bishop, a board member of Democracy Defense Project Michigan and a Republican, discusses the importance of elections, democracy and civil engagement with Saginaw Valley State University students on Monday.

Former Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry, a board member of Democracy Defense Project Michigan and a Democrat, discusses the importance of elections, democracyand civil engagement with Saginaw Valley State University students on Monday.

Former Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry, a Democrat, and former Michigan Congressman Mike Bishop, a Republican, discuss the importance of elections, democracy and civil engagement with Saginaw Valley State University students on Monday. Bishop and Cherry are board members of Democracy Defense Project.