Patti Vasquez is joined by Michigan State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, campaign board chair for the Michigan House Democrats and 2026 candidate for re-election in Michigan's 75th House District. Tsernoglou discussed voter concerns, election access, polling-place safety, the lack of any investigation by the Republican-controlled Michigan House into allegations of sexual abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and her re-election priorities.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Affordability is the dominant concern, including food, gas, housing, health care, child care, and access to benefits.
- The campaign is targeting independents, infrequent midterm voters, and Republicans who may be dissatisfied, while emphasizing early voting, absentee ballots, drop boxes, and campus voting.
- Michigan officials are monitoring the possibility of federal immigration agents at polling locations; existing state laws restrict activity by federal agents, but further action is uncertain.
- The House has not advanced a major investigation into reported abuse allegations at Interlochen and is instead investigating the Board of State Canvassers over a petition that lacked sufficient signatures.
- Tsernoglou identified health care, education, clean water, PFAs remediation, election improvements, and state-level AI regulation as priorities for another term.

(Please note that Patti was broadcasting from a remote location.)

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

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