WZZM: Here's who West Michigan's U.S. Representatives brought as guests to the 2026 State of the Union

Rep. Hillary Scholten (D) (3rd District)

Scholten brought Megan Erskine, CEO and President of Catherine's Health Center, as her guest for the State of the Union in Washington DC. Catherine's Health Center provides access to "high quality, affordable and compassionate" health care to families in West Michigan.

“Megan has dedicated her career to making sure families in her community can access affordable, quality healthcare, and I’m thrilled she is joining me as my guest for this year’s State of the Union,” said Scholten. “We all know health care isn't some abstract political debate; it’s a lifeline for families in West Michigan who are working hard and doing everything right, yet watching this administration try to strip affordable coverage from millions. I’ll keep fighting for West Michigan families every day in Congress, and I’m proud to do so tonight alongside Megan.”

Erskine expressed gratitude for the invitation and said she was there not just for herself, but for Catherine's Health Center and the people they serve.

“I’m honored to be here tonight on behalf of all of the people Catherine’s Health Center serves every day. For so many of our patients, access to affordable, quality healthcare is the difference between stability and crisis. When someone can get preventative care, manage a chronic condition, or access mental health support, it doesn’t just improve their health. It protects their job, their housing, and their ability to care for their family,” said Erskine. “I’m grateful to Congresswoman Scholten for inviting me this evening to shine a light on how much health care access and stability truly matter to our broader community.”

Rep. John Moolenaar (R) (2nd District)

Moolenaar brought Jeffrey Smith, MD, FACS of Gratiot County with him to the State of the Union Address. Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and has been practicing since 1994. Smith is also the president and founder of Great Lakes Surgical Associates and serves communities in Gratiot, Isabella, and Clare counties.

"Doctor Smith serves rural Michigan residents every day and understands the challenges facing rural healthcare providers. Last year, President Trump signed into law the Rural Health Transformation Program through the One Big Beautiful Bill. This landmark program is aimed to improve health outcomes for rural residents, increase access to vital care, as well as attract and retain high-quality medical professionals like Doctor Smith to rural Michigan. I am grateful Doctor Smith has accepted my invitation to join me for President Trump's State of the Union Address to hear firsthand the work we are doing to get our nation back on track," said Moolenaar.

Smith conveyed his appreciation for Moolenaar and said it was an honor to be invited to the address.

"Michigan is fortunate to have Congressman Moolenaar working for us in Washington," said Dr. Smith.  "Congressman Moolenaar is fighting in Congress to improve the lives and health of Michiganders. Policies he and President Trump support like the Rural Health Transformation Program will benefit my patients and improve access to life-saving care for rural residents seen at medical offices in places like Alma and Clare. It is an honor to join Congressman Moolenaar this week to hear from President Trump about his accomplishments in his first year in office and his America First agenda." 

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) (4th District)

Huizenga brought Joe Saborowski from Battle Creek Unlimited with him to the State of the Union Address. Battle Creek Unlimited assists new and growing companies or those looking to relocate to find resources they need to build their business.

"I chose and asked Joe Soborowski from Battle Creek Unlimited to come here because we know that jobs and job creation is going to be significant," said Huizenga.

Soborowski said he was also grateful to be invited to the address.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to come with our congressman, Congressman Bill Huizenga, to see what goes on behind the State of the Union and actually be a part of history. We're just so thrilled," said Soborowski. 

Rep. Tim Walberg (R) (5th District)

Walberg brought with him Doug Darling, a farmer from Monroe County. Darling is a 6th-generation row crop farmer in Maybee and also served a stint as the director at large of the Michigan Farm Bureau.

"I am honored to have Doug Darling as my guest and highlight the invaluable role agriculture plays in feeding our families and sustaining our local economy in Michigan," said Walberg. "Last year, the historic Working Families Tax Cuts were signed into law, delivering vital relief to our nation's hardworking farmers. By cutting taxes for farmers by over $10 billion, protecting family farms from the death tax, and providing stronger risk management tools, we have provided certainty to Michigan farmers to ensure that they can keep producing the world’s safest and most abundant food supply."

Darling said he was thankful for the work Walberg has done for Michigan farmers and the impact that work has had for him.

"My family and I are grateful for the work Congressman Walberg has done on behalf of Michigan farmers," said Doug Darling. "The Working Families Tax Cuts are making a real, day‑to‑day difference for farmers, allowing us to reinvest in our operations, benefit from expanded access to markets and critical risk managements tools, and keep food flowing from Monroe County to tables near and far. It is a privilege to join Congressman Walberg as his guest at the State of the Union, and I look forward to President Trump discussing how his policies are providing families like mine with certainty so we can keep our multi-generation farm alive and well."