Michigan House District 104 Race: Roth Faces Distin and Jarvis in 2024 Election

Voters in Michigan House District 104 head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide a race where incumbent Republican State Representative John Roth faces Democratic challenger Mitch Distin and Libertarian candidate Alexander Jarvis. The 104th district spans roughly 1,700 square miles across parts of six counties in northwestern lower Michigan, representing a population of just over 91,000 residents.

Incumbent Defends Record on Infrastructure and Public Land

John Roth, a Republican from Interlochen who has represented the district since the 2020 election, is seeking his third term under Michigan’s 12-year term limit law for state legislators. Roth secured more than 60% of the vote in each of his previous two elections. He points to water and sewer infrastructure as the primary challenge facing district residents. And, unfortunately, that has not been a priority for the Legislature since I've been here. Roth notes that sewage disposal rules present specific hurdles for rural communities, limiting where septic sludge can be applied.

To connect with constituents across the expansive six-county district, Roth drives nearly 50,000 miles every year to attend community meetings and travel to Lansing. Outside of legislative duties, he emphasizes a commitment to preserving natural landscapes. Having lived in northern Michigan since moving to Traverse City in 1987, Roth stated his goal is to keep northern Michigan northern Michigan by protecting public lands for hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Challengers Target Cost of Living and Market Regulations

Democratic challenger Mitch Distin, a biologist and ecologist who moved back to the region in 2024 after spending a decade living abroad, argues that the rising cost of living is the most urgent issue for local voters. Everything is becoming too expensive. Corporate America is taking advantage of rural America. Distin’s platform prioritizes ground-up community building, directing state purchasing toward Michigan businesses, and expanding capital access for small operators and beginning farmers.

Libertarian candidate Alexander Jarvis, a lifelong resident of Manton, also identifies the cost of living as a primary concern, attributing financial strain to government interference and excessive regulations. The biggest issues come down to the insane regulations they have on the free market, Jarvis told Interlochen Public Radio in an interview cited by Michigan Advance. Jarvis stated that he is running to provide voters with a third option, though he noted he does not have time to actively campaign.

Housing Deficits Draw Divergent Policy Solutions

All three candidates acknowledge a severe shortage of affordable housing across the northwestern lower Michigan district, though their proposed remedies differ significantly. Roth maintains there is no simple solution to the housing deficit, pointing instead to local zoning adjustments and community support for lot subdivisions as necessary steps. He also advocates expanding organizations like Habitat for Humanity to construct homes for low-income families.

Distin approaches the housing shortage through broader economic reforms aimed at supporting local small businesses and reducing regulatory burdens. Meanwhile, Jarvis argues that freeing market competition is the key to lowering costs and allowing residents with fewer financial resources to participate fully in the regional economy.

November 2026 General Election Details

The race for Michigan House District 104 is tracked as one of the key local contests on the November 3, 2026, ballot in Grand Traverse County and the surrounding region, as detailed in election filings covered by The Ballot Brief. Voters can verify their registration status, check sample ballots, and review early voting rules through the official Michigan election hub.