Justin Michal is running in 2026 as a Republican against incumbent GOP U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman for the First District congressional seat. (Contributed photo)

ESCANABA — Republican Justin Michal is challenging incumbent Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, for the chance to represent Michigan’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bergman has had the position for five terms, since 2017. Michal, an army veteran working on a doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution, believes the quality of life in the district has fallen in the past eight years and he has been traveling the district and talking to people to find out what needs to be better.

Referencing the division that’s permeated political spaces lately, Michal said he wants to hold town halls open to all, including people with opposing viewpoints, but would prefer that communication is honest and thorough and civil instead of belligerent, out of respect for what he’s trying to accomplish. “Help me learn. Help me understand your side,” Michal said. “I think most people will find some common ground somewhere.”

Though Michal says his values are conservative, Republican, fairly aligned with President Donald Trump, he said he has beliefs of his own, but his own personal opinions shouldn’t be relevant when he’s aiming to serve the residents of the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan. He aims to listen to all constituents, he said. “I want to be the most accessible congressman or congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives. If I don’t need to be in Washington, D.C., I will not be in Washington, D.C., I will be here,” Michal said.

Michal grew up in the Grayling area before joining the military. After serving on a special operations team in Iraq, he found that returning to civilian life wasn’t what he expected and trying to find a job without a college degree was difficult. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and aeronautical science, then went on to get his master of business administration from Florida Atlantic University, where he built skills in organizational leadership, strategic planning and economic development.

The Republican primary will be Aug. 4. So far, Michal and Bergman are the only GOP members running for the U.S. House seat. The deadline to file is in April. The general election is Nov. 3 and will feature the winner of the Republican primary facing off against the Democratic candidate — potentially Wayne Stiles, Callie Barr or Kyle Blomquist. Zebulon Featherly has also entered the race as an independent.