Much of Byrne’s district consists of Lansing and Grand Ledge, as well as large portions of Clinton County.

Byrne, who earned his juris doctorate from Michigan State University in 2020, describes himself as a moderate Democrat, saying he is socially progressive but fiscally moderate. Byrne cites his blue-collar background of growing up on his family farm as being an influence on his politics.

Growing up in a conservative area, Byrne said he initially considered himself a Republican when he was younger. After attending Eastern Michigan University for his undergraduate and later law school, his views started to become more moderate and then liberal, though he held on to some fiscal conservative beliefs.

He said that seeing the ways laws were written to treat people differently based on their race or ethnicity is one of the primary reasons for him becoming more progressive.

Since graduating from law school in 2020, Byrne has worked for two judges. He has worked for Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in Lansing, as well as Judge Elizabeth Anne Kelly in Genesee County. For Kelly, Byrne worked on cases that pertained to the Flint Water Crisis.

Byrne said one of the main concerns of his campaign would be issues of voting rights. He views many of the recent “election security” bills being introduced in many states, including Michigan, as dangerous because it would make it harder for people of color to vote. Passing bills protecting these rights would be among Byrne’s first priorities.

“I think it’s really important to have a democratic legislature in Michigan so we can, instead of just protect against laws that try to disenfranchise people, we can pass laws like affirmative laws, protecting those rights and securing those rights,” Byrne said.

Byrne wants for more dropboxes for mail-in ballots and ensure easier access to the ballot for lower-income workers who cannot take time off to visit the polls on Election Day.

Revitalizing the manufacturing and agricultural industry are also core issues for Byrne. He said he is very supportive of unions, saying that they are essential for making sure workers are flourishing as well as employers.

Byrne, citing his time working for a firm doing labor and employment work, said he would like to protect a union organizing tactic called salting. This is where a union sends someone to be employed in a workplace with the intent of organizing the workers.

“I know that’s something that can be a little controversial, but I think it’s necessary to strengthen union members base,” Byrne said. “I think the key with unions and employers is striking a balance, where neither side has too much power.”

Immigration is a topic that Byrne cares a lot about, despite not much about it being able to be changed at a state level.

“Right now, why I’m interested in it is because it’s really people seeking the American dream, right?” Byrne said. “It’s these hard-working communities, hard-working individuals and families just trying to have a better life, and then they’re coming into a system that’s really stacked against them.”

As for why he believes he deserves to represent his community, Byrne said that he is someone who will put his community first and because he is not going into politics as a career move.

“We don’t need somebody being elected who’s just doing it as a career move or looking to the future,” Byrne said. “I’ve put in the work and established the fact that this who I am regardless of this election, and I’m going to help the community as much as I can no matter what.”