Quận Genesee

Rep. Elissa Slotkin was first elected to Congress in 2018 and is now seeking her third term in the 7th Congressional District as the Democratic candidate. She gained recognition for her national security expertise, which she honed while working for the CIA and the Department of Defense.

In addition to national security, her priorities include healthcare, the environment, economic opportunity, equality, gun violence prevention, and campaign finance reform.

Slotkin worked hard in Congress to prevent Trump from abusing his powers. For instance, she was the lead sponsor of a bill to prevent President Trump from launching military action in Iran without Congressional approval.

Slotkin is endorsed by six of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, and Michigan Education Association.

Slotkin’s opponent is Tom Barrett, a state senator who is staunchly opposed to abortion rights and attacked public health efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19. Barrett is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Slotkin is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://elissaforcongress.com

Rep. Dan Kildee is the Democratic candidate running for his sixth term in the 8th Congressional District. He currently serves as chief deputy majority whip, where he acts as a liaison among Members of Congress and the leadership to build support for legislation. In 2016, he secured the release of Amir Hekmati, a U.S. Marine veteran who was held prisoner in Iran. He secured federal funding to replace water pipes in Flint. He successfully led an effort to prevent a Canadian company from burying nuclear waste near the Lake Huron shoreline.

Before serving in Congress, Kildee co-founded the Center for Community Progress, a national non-profit which works on urban revitalization. He founded the Genesee County Land Bank, which directed over $100 million in investment to Flint and is a model for land banks across America. He also served as Genesee County treasurer and member of the Flint School Board.

Rep. Kildee is endorsed by six of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, and Michigan Education Association.

Kildee’s opponent is Paul Junge, who supports the MAGA agenda and is opposed to reproductive rights. Junge is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Rep. Dan Kildee is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.dankildee.com

Jordan Genso is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 49th District. He works as a real estate agent and has served on numerous local boards in his community including Brighton District Library Board of Trustees, Brighton City Zoning Board of Appeals, and Livingston Reappointment Committee. 

Genso supports raising teacher salaries, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit, protecting voting rights, and putting the cost burden of protecting the environment on corporations. Genso also believes we need to address the harm still being caused by a history of redlining in Michigan and will work to pass common sense gun violence prevention measures.

Genso is endorsed by two of our partner organizations: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

Genso is running against Republican Lana Theis. Theis is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network, and has repeatedly attacked the LGBTQ community. 

Jordan Genso is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://jordangenso.com/
 

Theresa Fougnie is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 24th District. Fougnie became a political activist in the wake of the 2016 election. 

Fougnie’s priorities include investing in local libraries, prioritizing care for our veterans, sustainable environmental policies for the future of Michigan, civil discourse, separation of church and state, affordable health care, investing in infrastructure, equal rights for all Michiganders, reproductive rights, common sense gun reform, and voting rights.

Fougnie is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. 

Fougnie is running against Republican Ruth Johnson. Johnson has been a vocal supporter of restricting voting rights. Johnson is endorsed by the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Theresa Fougnie is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.electtheresafougnie.com/
 

Charles Stadler is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 26th District. Stadler supports college grants for students working to become teachers, supports women’s rights, and is for expanding renewable energy in Michigan.

Stadler is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Stadler is running against Republican Kevin Daley. Daley supports restricting voting rights, holds irresponsible right-wing views on guns, and is anti-reproductive rights. He is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Charles Stadler is the most progressive choice in this race.

John Cherry is a Democrat running for the Michigan State Senate for the 27th District. Cherry is currently serving the 49th District in the Michigan State House of Representatives, where he serves on the Government Operations, Commerce and Tourism, and Energy committees.

Cherry has sponsored or co-sponsored legislation to reform Michigan’s unemployment system, increase the minimum wage, protect union rights, and protect employees from discrimination and wage fraud. He will fight for clean water and laws that protect Michiganders from lead exposure, and strengthen Michigan’s natural resource protections.

Cherry is endorsed by three of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Cherry is running against Republican Aaron Gardner. Garner is against common sense gun violence prevention measures and endorsed by the right-wing organization Citizens for Traditional Values, which is against reproductive freedom and marriage equality.

John Cherry is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.cherryformichigan.com/

Brian LaJoie is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 67th District. He currently works as a builder and formerly worked in the oil and natural gas industry as a pressure control specialist. LaJoie believes in paying teachers a competitive wage, that Michigan should expand job training programs outside of higher education, and that voting should be simple. He also believes in using renewable energy and protecting the environment and supports common sense gun violence prevention legislation and reproductive rights.

LaJoie is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. 

LaJoie is running against Republican Phil Green. Green is anti-reproductive freedom and is endorsed by the National Rifle Association as well as the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Brian A. LaJoie is the best choice in this race.
 

Cheri Hardmon is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 68th District. Hardmon grew up in Belleville and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University. She has worked in broadcast news for over a decade.

Hardmon’s priorities include fighting for a fair and living wage for all Michiganders, fighting to protect abortion access, and ensuring teachers have the support and tools they need to focus on educating students. She also supports affordable health care and will work to ensure all Michiganders have access to safe drinking water.

Hardmon is endorsed by four of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Equality Michigan.

Hardmon is running against Republican David Martin. Martin is anti-reproductive freedom and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Cheri Hardmon is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://voteforcheri.com

Jasper Martus is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 69th District. Martus is a lifelong resident of Genesee County and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in International Relations. He worked for Congressman Dan Kildee and for the Michigan Legislature with constituent services, communications and drafting legislation.

Martus’ priorities include investing in jobs, expanding education, and rebuilding Michigan’s infrastructure. He will support new job training programs, investment in entrepreneurs, and strengthening the right to unionize. He will fight to give more resources to teachers and fund K-12 schools, and improve the safety of Michigan’s water systems while investing in green infrastructure and creating union jobs.

Martus is endorsed by three of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Martus is running against Republican Jesse Couch, who is anti-reproductive freedom and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Jasper Martus is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.jaspermartus.com

Cynthia Neeley is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term to the Michigan House of Representatives. During her time in office, she introduced and co-sponsored over 200 bills and is currently working on multiple bills to prevent gun violence.

Neeley’s priorities have been and continue to be sponsoring and supporting legislation that will prevent gun violence, ensure access to safe and affordable water, and make sure schools have the resources they need. She will also fight for affordable health care and fair wages for all.

Neeley is endorsed by eight of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Clean Water Action, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Neeley is running against Republican Tim Butler.

Cynthia Neeley is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://cynthianeeley.com

Mark Zacharda is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 71st District. Zacharda was the first member of his family to attend a 4-year university program, graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Zacharda has also received a teaching certificate from Saginaw Valley State University. He worked in construction and taught high school biology and now works in partnership with his parents operating their family dairy farm.

Zacharda’s priorities include creating economic opportunity through environmental responsibility by pushing investment in projects such as community solar power initiatives, supporting unions to protect the rights of workers, and incentivizing environmentally sound and sustainable farming practices in partnership with farmers. Zacharda will also push for more funding for schools and curricula that include more practical skills, and affordable higher education.

Zacharda is endorsed by five of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Zacharda is running against Republican Brian BeGole. BeGole is a member of a far-right extremist organization of constitutional sheriffs and does not support common sense gun legislation. He is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network.

Mark D. Zacharda is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://votemarkz.com

Stacy Taylor is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 72nd District. She worked for Marriott Hotels for over a decade, has run an arts and crafts business with her husband for 30 years, and is involved in a variety of community programs. Taylor is also a community activist for local environmental issues.

Taylor supports reproductive freedom and believes everyone should have access to health care. She believes in fighting for the health and safety of Michiganders, protecting Michigan’s water, and addressing PFAS contamination.

Taylor is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

Taylor is running against Republican Mike Mueller. Mueller is endorsed by Citizens for Traditional Values, a group that is anti-reproductive freedom and against gay marriage, as well as the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network and Great Lakes Education Project.

Stacy Taylor is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816701842635039

Paul M. Whitney is a Democrat running for the Michigan House of Representatives for the 97th District. Whitney is a lifelong resident of the 97th District and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Saginaw Valley State University. He has worked in child welfare and been a police officer for three decades.

Whitney’s priorities include child welfare and working to improve the foster care system. He supports protecting reproductive health care, including protecting abortion access. Whitney also supports fully funding Michigan’s public schools, and addressing equality for LGBTQ students, fighting to protect voting access, protecting Michigan’s water and natural resources, and passing common sense gun violence prevention measures.

Whitney is endorsed by three of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

Whitney is running against Republican Matthew Bierlein. Bierlein is anti-reproductive freedom, and holds irresponsible views on guns. He is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Paul Whitney is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080369958403

Bryant Nolden is a Democrat running for his fifth term on the Genesee County Commission. He previously served on the Flint City Council and worked as a teacher for 22 years. Bolden is endorsed by the Michigan AFL-CIO. He is running against Republican Steven Cousino.

Nolden is the more progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Bryant-BB-Nolden-1st-District-County-Commissioner-106182989421138

Charles Winfrey is a Democrat running for Genesee County Commission for a second term. He is endorsed by the Michigan AFL-CIO. He is running against Republican Lynnette Robinson.

Given the limited information we have about both candidates, we are unable to determine whether either candidate could be considered progressive to any degree, but at this time we are recommending voters consider Winfrey over Robinson based on the information we were able to find.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Chenery10

Ellen Ellenburg is a Democrat running for her fourth term on the Genesee County Commission. She is very active in the community and in local government, even beyond her service on the County Commission.

Ellenburg is running against Republican Nicholas Goyette.

Ellen Ellenburg is the best choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/eellenburg

Domonique Clemons is a Democrat running for Genesee County Commission for a second term. He has worked as a staff member in the Michigan Legislature and in the nonprofit sector. Infrastructure, the economy, and the environment are among Clemons’s priorities. He is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and a number of labor and progressive organizations including the Michigan AFL-CIO.

Clemons is running against Republican Amy Miller in this race.

Clemons is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://www.voteclemons.com/

James Avery is a Democrat running for Genesee County Commission for a first full term after being appointed in January 2022. He previously served on the Grand Blanc School Board. Avery is endorsed by the Michigan AFL-CIO.

Avery is running against Republican Teri Lynn Chambers for this position.

Given the limited information we have about both candidates, we are unable to determine whether either candidate could be considered progressive to any degree, but at this time we are recommending voters consider Avery over Chambers based on the information we were able to find.

Martin Cousineau is a Democrat running for his fourth term on the Genesee County Commission. Cousineau was elected Chair of the County Commission in just his second term. A chiropractor by trade, Cousineau has also served as a Thetford Township Trustee. We couldn’t find much information about Cousineau’s platform.

Cousineau is running against Republican Lynn Culver.

Given the limited information we have about both candidates, we are unable to determine whether either candidate could be considered progressive to any degree, but at this time we are recommending voters consider Cousineau over Culver based on the information we were able to find.


Learn more: https://martincousineau.com/

Dale Weighill is running for his first term on the Genesee County Commission. He is the associate vice president at Mott Community College, where he formerly taught political science, and serves on a number of community boards. Job creation, education, and countywide strategic planning for Genesee’s future are among his priorities. He is also focused on defending our democracy. He is endorsed by the Michigan AFL-CIO.

Weighill is running against Republican Meredith Davis. Davis opposed precautions to keep our community safe during the pandemic.

Dale Weighill is the best choice in this race.

Learn more: https://dale4commissioner.com/

Michelle Davis is a Democrat running for her first term on the Genesee County Commission. She is a General Motors retiree.

She promises to avoid political infighting and focus on solving the issues at hand, including funding the GHOST program to end child human trafficking. She also believes everyone deserves clean and affordable drinking water.

Davis is running against Republican Sue Hopper.

Given the limited information we have about both candidates, we are unable to determine whether either candidate could be considered progressive to any degree, but at this time we are recommending voters consider Davis over Hopper based on the information we were able to find.