Leadership Profiles: Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.)

Sen. Aric Nesbitt grew up as the middle child on a six-generation family farm in West Michigan. He earned an economics degree from Hillsdale College, later earning a master’s in international business. He received the “Distinguished Alumnus” award from Hillsdale for his work as a conservative reformer.

In 2010, Nesbitt was elected to represent Van Buren County and part of Allegan County in the Michigan House of Representatives. He served three terms in the state House, during which he served as House Majority Floor Leader and chair of the House Committee on Energy and Technology. He then served as director of the Michigan Lottery before his election to the state Senate.

In 2018, Nesbitt was first elected to the state Senate. He now represents the 20th District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, and Kent counties. He has worked to lower auto insurance rates and opposed tax increases. He currently serves as Senate Republican Leader.

As a sportsman, Nesbitt is a member of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited and South Haven Steelheaders. He promises to support efforts to prevent Asian Carp from entering our Great Lakes.

The senator currently lives in Porter Township, with his wife Trisha, daughter Catherine, and son William near the family farm.

What is the biggest challenge facing Michigan?

The biggest challenge we face right now is combating high inflation, which has led to persistently high grocery, gas, and energy prices. It is directly impacting Michigan families and our seniors who struggle to budget for this new reality month after month. While other states are providing relief and seeing new investment, Michigan residents have been left behind, despite numerous bipartisan attempts by the previous Republican-led legislature.

What is your top priority for this legislative session?

Without a doubt, the number one priority on the agenda for Senate Republicans is to provide immediate relief now to Michigan families and seniors. We have a $9-billion surplus and, unfortunately, the Governor and Democrat leaders have proposed a slow drip of tax relief to some seniors and struggling working families that extends out four years, rather than providing the relief now to everyone in need.

What is the key to accelerating economic growth in Michigan?

The key to growth entails maintaining an economic environment where small businesses can be created and see success, while also making us attractive to businesses looking to invest through commonsense policies. Specifically, a reasonable, competitive tax structure, a robust talent pool, and a regulatory climate devoid of unnecessary red tape and redundant bureaucratic processes. If Democrats decide to pursue an extreme, far-left agenda, the only result will be stifling economic growth.