What happens when legal expertise meets state politics? In this revealing conversation, Michigan Senate District 9 candidate Ren Nushaj brings his unique perspective as a municipal attorney to tackle the complex challenges facing Michigan communities ahead of the 2026 election.

Ren's journey from Detroit roots to his current position as Clawson's City Attorney has given him an intimate understanding of both Oakland and Macomb counties—the very communities he hopes to represent. Drawing on his experience crafting municipal laws, he makes a compelling case for why Michigan's legislature needs more legal minds: "It's called legislature for a good reason. It starts with 'legis,' meaning law in Latin."

At the heart of our discussion lies a critical examination of how funding flows—or doesn't—between federal, state, and local governments. Rather than accepting the narrative of inevitable service cuts as federal funding dwindles, Ren advocates for a fighter's approach: "We have to fight for the things we believe in... because we deserve them, because our taxes pay for them." He provides a revealing analysis of how state-level decisions about revenue sharing have systematically undermined municipal services for decades, affecting citizens across all economic levels.

Perhaps most striking is Ren's passion for government transparency. While municipal governments must respond to Freedom of Information Act requests within five days, state government operates under no such requirement—a discrepancy he vows to address. "Democracy has to be in the daylight," he insists, connecting transparent governance directly to economic outcomes.

Through rapid-fire assessments of Michigan's critical issues—from education and infrastructure to healthcare and veterans' services—we gain insight into a candidate who believes government should be "a force for good" rather than minimized. His perspective challenges conventional political wisdom while offering practical solutions rooted in legal expertise and community service.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about Michigan's future, the role of government, and how legal experience might transform state politics. Subscribe now and be part of the discussion about putting people over politics in the Great Lakes State.