About Justin

Republican Justin Amash is the leading advocate for government restraint in the Michigan House of Representatives. His positions on a range of important issues reflect his principled, consistent commitment to limited government, free markets, and individual liberty:

  • Justin has fought to stop targeted tax breaks and subsidies to government-favored companies and industries. He believes that taxing people only to redistribute their money to politically well-connected groups is morally wrong, unconstitutional, and economically unsound.
  • Justin opposes bailouts for failing companies and industries. Bailouts only prolong and redistribute the burden of existing problems, while rewarding complacency and distorting risk-taking behavior.
  • Justin has introduced legislation affirming the rights of Michigan residents to decide for themselves how and when to provide for their own health care.
  • Justin opposes burdensome taxes used to fund ever-increasing encroachment by government into the private sector. He has worked to repeal the Michigan Business Tax.
  • Justin opposes legislation that limits market competition. He recognizes that players within an industry often demand new regulations that are presented as responsible reforms but are actually aimed at harming competitors and consumers.
  • Justin and his family are committed Christians. Justin's Christian faith is an important part of who he is. It informs his values, principles, and dedication to contributing to his neighbors and country through the political process. As a pro-life conservative, Justin believes that unborn children are human beings endowed with a right to life that no one may take from them.

As a state representative, Justin has set new standards for transparency and accountability. He was one of the first two state legislators to list his office expenses, staff salaries, and legislative benefits online. He has also earned a wide following among Michigan voters for posting all of his votes, with explanations and an opportunity for interactive discussion, on his official Facebook Page.

Justin was born in Grand Rapids and raised in Kentwood. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, where he graduated as valedictorian. He received his bachelor’s degree with High Honors in Economics from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Justin worked as a business lawyer in Grand Rapids before pursuing public office. In 2008, he was elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives. In the 2009 annual State Capitol Leadership Survey, Justin was the most frequently named freshman legislator in response to the question, “Who is the most effective member of the Michigan House?”

Justin lives in Cascade Charter Township with his wife Kara, a graduate of Calvin College and a former elementary school teacher. Justin and Kara have three children, Alexander, Anwen, and Evelyn.