Grand Blanc Native and Former Congressional Intern Announces State House Run

Grand Blanc Native and Former Congressional Intern Isaiah Grays Announces State House Run

GRAND BLANC, MI – Isaiah Grays, a lifelong resident of Grand Blanc and former Congressional intern, has officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for State Representative in Michigan’s 68th District.

Returning home after serving in the offices of Michigan Representatives John James and Lisa McClain, Grays is launching a “For the People” campaign focused on lowering the cost of living for families in Burton, Davison, Grand Blanc, Atlas, Goodrich, and Groveland.

“I entered this race because our community deserves leadership that will prioritize lowering costs and bringing real accountability to the state government in Lansing,” says Grays.

For Grays, the decision to run sparked from a phone call. While working in Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s office, he spoke with a constituent named Ms. Schwind, who shared her frustration with the property tax system in Michigan.

“Something in me was completely shifted by that conversation,” Grays said. “It was the first time I grasped how the state legislature impacts our daily lives and that I was equipped to bring forth genuine accountability. I decided then that I needed to be the one fighting and advocating for those families in Lansing.”

His local and national leadership led to his selection as a U.S. Youth Advisor to the United Nations Ocean Decade, and later be named by Genesee County Prevention Coalition as a “Youth Prevention Champion.” Grays while serving as student body president also was selected by his peers as homecoming king which he says helped him learn how to “represent the ideas that make a community thrive.”

Grays made history as the first freshman elected Student Body President at George Mason University representing around 40,000 students. During his term, he faced a publicized impeachment after refusing to approve thousands of dollars in wasteful and reckless spending that only benefited the elite few.

“I am a firm believer in transparency,” Grays emphasized. “I didn’t make many friends when I opposed that spending, but it taught me that I do not compromise on fiscal responsibility. If I can’t stay in a position with integrity, then I must leave with my integrity, I’ll bring that same ‘taxpayer-first’ mindset to the state capitol.”

Addressing concerns about his age, Grays sees it as an opportunity. “Being young isn’t a weakness. Today’s generation is being told they won’t afford homes or have social security. I’m running to protect homeowners and families so that today’s generation has a chance to make it too.”

Grays will be transferring to the University of Michigan and will balance his studies with his legislative duties just as he did in D.C.

Grays’ platform for the 68th District focuses on:

• Tax Relief: Lowering state income and property tax burdens for  families.
• Infrastructure: Securing funding for local roads.
• Small Businesses: Support local businesses with capital access and tax incentives. 
• Blight: Secure funding to clean up blight and reward businesses that help clean up the streets.