A former mayor of South Lyon is running for the 49th House seat.
Dan Pelchat, 43, of Green Oak Township, said he is running because he can no longer sit on the sidelines during the current political climate.
“I have served in elective office in the past and I understand the responsibilities that go with public service and the importance of our democratic system of government,” Pelchat said in a release. “I have felt a call to return to public service as I have watched how some of our elected representatives are working to undermine our system of government and fair elections.
“I can no longer be silent when I see our way of life and our system of government being undermined. I want to represent the strong democratic values that the people of Michigan are known for.”
If elected, Pelchat said he would concentrate on improving public education for children and adults; protecting the environment; protecting women’s rights; improving infrastructure; and defending democracy.
Pelchat was elected mayor of South Lyon in 2017 after running a write-in campaign in a field of seven. He was re-elected twice and decided not to run for re-election in 2023.
During his time in office, Pelchat:
• Helped pass an $18.4 mil bond to fix aging roads in South Lyon. Along with the city manager, he worked to get the bond on the ballot, built public support, and, once passed, worked with the citizens affected.–Worked with local veterans, historical groups, and city management to move the city’s veterans’ memorial to a more prominent and respectful location where there is space for growth.
He solicited approval from all sides to find a compromise and to fund the project.
• Worked with city management to develop the Sidecar social district in South Lyon to support small businesses and keep downtown lively.
Pelchat lived in Oakland County for 28 years and moved to Green Oak Township in Livingston County in 2024.
He is active in Reaching Higher, a youth mentoring program for local schools, and is a volunteer with VFW Post 1224 and American Legion Post 338. In 2022, he was named a “40 Under 40” award recipient in Oakland County.
Pelchat has been an IT technician for South Lyon Community Schools since 1998.
He graduated from South Lyon High School in 2001 and the Specs Howard School of Media Arts from 2009-2010.
Pelchat is married. He and his wife Meredith have two pre-school children.
Pelchat is the only Democrat to file for the seat.
The district includes the city of Brighton and the townships of Brighton and Green Oak in Livingston County plus the cities of Walled Lake and Wixom, as well as parts of the townships of Commerce and Lyon, and the city of Novi, all in Oakland County.
For more information, visit Pelchat’s Facebook page, his website, or email him at d.pelchat@gmail.com.
