Chadwick Twillman Demands Resignation of MLive Editor Joey Oliver for Publishing Deceptive Hit Piece
The Californer/10328816

SAGINAW, Mich. - Californer -- Chadwick Twillman, Republican candidate for Michigan's 35th Senate District, is demanding the immediate resignation of MLive editor Joey Oliver for publishing a deliberately misleading article that distorts the truth about Twillman's past. The story, titled "35th District Senate candidate's past includes 2007 stabbing conviction," omits key context and misrepresents the facts surrounding a 2006 incident in which Twillman, then 19, intervened to stop the sexual assault of a woman.

During an interview with Oliver, Twillman fully explained that he acted to protect a woman in danger and that he accepted a plea deal under pressure, believing he could not overcome a flawed system. Oliver excluded this context, publishing instead a one-sided narrative designed to damage the campaign.

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"This is not journalism, it is propaganda," Twillman said. "By intentionally leaving out the truth—that I acted to protect someone—MLive has misled the people of Mid-Michigan. If Joey Oliver cannot uphold basic journalistic ethics, he should step down immediately."

Twillman emphasized that his campaign is built on transparency, faith, and service to Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. He described the old record as part of his testimony rather than a political liability.

"It's a chapter from when I was young and hadn't yet found Christ. None of us are defined by our worst moments. All glory to God—America is still the land of second chances."

He clarified that several items circulating online are charges, not convictions, and have long been resolved. "What matters now," he added, "is the life that came after—faith, family, and service."

Twillman drew parallels to President Trump's resilience under relentless media attacks. "Watching President Trump stand firm through every trial reminded me that when you believe in something greater than yourself, you keep fighting. That's why I'm running—to serve my neighbors, stand for Michigan, and fight for our country."

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The candidate also addressed broader concerns about media manipulation, citing examples such as the CIA's Operation Mockingbird and the 2013 Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, which lifted restrictions on government-funded domestic messaging. "These policies allowed major outlets to blur the line between information and influence," Twillman said. "Today we see that same culture of distortion at work in stories like Oliver's."

Twillman called on MLive to retract the misleading article and issue a public apology. He renewed his demand for Joey Oliver's resignation, stating that "the people of Mid-Michigan deserve journalism rooted in truth, not manipulation."

About Chadwick Twillman for Senate
Chadwick Twillman is a small-business owner & father of five . His campaign for Michigan's 35th Senate District is centered on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring fairness in family courts, protecting parental rights, and returning accountability to Lansing. More information is available at ChadwickTwillman.com.