Representative Thomas Albert (R-Belding) was elected in November 2017 to represent the 86^th House District.  He attended the University of Michigan, majoring in political science and history.  Following that, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a commissioned officer.  During his service, he was deployed it Iraq in 2009.  After leaving active duty, he continued to serve as a reservist until 2013.  Following his service, Representative Albert obtained a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University, then the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst certification.  Prior to being elected to the House, he worked as an investor for the State of Michigan Retirement Systems.

Representative Albert resides in Lowell with his wife, Erica, and three children.

1. What attracted you to running for the Legislature?

I have been drawn to politics from a young age.  When I was seven years old in 1992 I watched my first presidential debate, and I have watched every one since.  While growing up, I would try to get my family to rush home from church on Sunday mornings, so I could watch Meet the Press with Tim Russert. 

I was attracted to run in this specific race because I believed I had the talents and strengths needed as a representative to help our state continue to grow. First, I have experience serving this great country, and I am honored to have been a leader of Marines.  Marines have a laser focus on developing leadership, and I believe the characteristics engrained in me will be beneficial at the Capitol.  I was also attracted to run because I faced an uphill battle finding a good job after leaving the Marine Corps.  I know exactly how difficult it can be to support a family. I believe that these experiences will help give me insight into the challenges faced by families throughout my district. 

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a Dem/GOP?  What attributes of your party do you most identify with?

I would say that I grew up in conservative household, but one irony is that my parents were both unionized state employees (both are now retired).I am proud that my journey to the Republican Party was entirely based on my own determination. First off, I am proud to identify with a party that respects life.Moreover, I believe in the foundational principles of the Republican Party: smaller government, lower taxes and less regulation.Smart business policies lead to better jobs, higher wages and stronger families.

3. What individuals from your community have shaped and prepared you to be a legislator?

I can quite easily say that my parents had the most impact in shaping and preparing me to be a legislator.My parents instilled a strong and unshakable faith that has enabled me to take on big challenges in life.This past year I was required to take a leave of absence without pay in order to run for office.When I committed to run, I was a 31-year-old civil servant in a single income household with a third baby on the way.I was able to get to the finish line because I had faith that I was doing was I was supposed to do.

4. What issues would you like to advocate for because of a personal life experience?

There are many issues I would like to advocate.One issue in particular, which is based on my personal experience, is transitioning from military to civilian employment.When I left the Marine Corps I found that businesses desired to hire veterans, but they undervalued military experience.I want to help veterans transitioning to civilian life find a good paying job that matches their qualifications.

5. Not having previously served as a public official, what are the greatest expectations you hope are achieved and what situations/scenarios do you hope to avoid? 

By the time I am finished being a state representative I hope that the constituents of the 86^th District say that I was accessible, a good listener and always voted with the best interest of the district in mind.As far as what I hope to avoid is not spending enough time with my family.I have received a lot of good advice from past elected officials, and they say not making time for family is the biggest mistake newcomers make.

6. How has your previous career, political or private sector, shaped the legislator you will be?

In the Marine Corps I was a logistician, and to be successful in that field it was critical that you develop and maintain strong relationships.I once had to coordinate logistics for a group of fifteen Marines embedded with an Iraqi Brigade over 100 miles from the nearest major base.Coordinating with 109 people in a climate controlled room does not seem so bad.

7. What one thing would you like to highlight that makes your district special?

I have met all sorts of people from all types of backgrounds while at in school, in the Marine Corps, or at my job as an investor for the state pension fund.I have had the pleasure of speaking with thousands of individuals in the 86^th District during this campaign, and I firmly believe them to be honest, decent and hardworking Americans.I am humbled to have earned their trust and do not take the responsibility lightly.

8. What are some of your favorite activities to participate in on your free time?

Any second I am not working I try to spend with my wife and 3 beautiful children.

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