Stephanie Chang (listed in Progressive Voters Guide)

Two seats on the Michigan Board of Education are up for election this year. We recommend Democratic candidates Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson as the progressive choices in this race.

Dr. Pamela Pugh is an experienced leader who has proven herself willing to show up for Michigan students and educators. Dr. Pugh has dedicated her career to promoting public health and ensuring kids across the state grow up in safe communities where they can thrive. As a member of the school board, she’s continued to pursue those goals, being a consistent voice for safe and honest education for all.

Over the past eight years, Dr. Pugh has worked to address systemic inequities that affect BIPOC children and other marginalized people in the public school system. Despite relentless attacks from MAGA extremists who want to stifle honest education, Dr. Pugh has consistently advocated for safe, inclusive classrooms where students can learn an accurate account of American history and current events.

Mitchell Robinson says he’s running for the Board of Education this year because he feels a need to push back against misinformation and right-wing attacks on honesty in education. He has been an educator for more than 40 years, teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral programs.

Robinson’s policy platform is focused on providing all kids with an honest, well-rounded education that will set them up for success. He also believes we must do more to support educators and improve retention, and address issues like child poverty that hold students back in the classroom.

Both Dr. Pugh and Robinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

The two Republican candidates in this race are Tami Carlone and Linda Lee Tarver, both of whom have built their platforms on attacking honest education about history and making classrooms less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and educators.

Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://www.mitchellrobinsonforstateschoolboard.org/
https://pamelalpugh.com/

Democrat

Pamela Pugh

Website Facebook (Twitter)

Two seats on the Michigan Board of Education are up for election this year. We recommend Democratic candidates Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson as the progressive choices in this race.

Dr. Pamela Pugh is an experienced leader who has proven herself willing to show up for Michigan students and educators. Dr. Pugh has dedicated her career to promoting public health and ensuring kids across the state grow up in safe communities where they can thrive. As a member of the school board, she’s continued to pursue those goals, being a consistent voice for safe and honest education for all.

Over the past eight years, Dr. Pugh has worked to address systemic inequities that affect BIPOC children and other marginalized people in the public school system. Despite relentless attacks from MAGA extremists who want to stifle honest education, Dr. Pugh has consistently advocated for safe, inclusive classrooms where students can learn an accurate account of American history and current events.

Mitchell Robinson says he’s running for the Board of Education this year because he feels a need to push back against misinformation and right-wing attacks on honesty in education. He has been an educator for more than 40 years, teaching students from kindergarten to doctoral programs.

Robinson’s policy platform is focused on providing all kids with an honest, well-rounded education that will set them up for success. He also believes we must do more to support educators and improve retention, and address issues like child poverty that hold students back in the classroom.

Both Dr. Pugh and Robinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

The two Republican candidates in this race are Tami Carlone and Linda Lee Tarver, both of whom have built their platforms on attacking honest education about history and making classrooms less safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and educators.

Dr. Pamela Pugh and Mitchell Robinson are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://www.mitchellrobinsonforstateschoolboard.org/
https://pamelalpugh.com/

University of Michigan Board of Regents

Democrat

Katherine White

Two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents are up for grabs in this election, and we recommend Democratic candidates Michael Behm and Katherine White.

Regent Michael Behm is a personal injury lawyer who has served on the board since 2014. His priorities for U of M include affordability, accountability, accessibility, and climate action. During his time on the board, he has been a vocal supporter of increasing the minimum wage for U of M employees to $15 and has consistently advocated for pro-climate changes on campus.

Regent Katherine White is an experienced lawyer and law professor at U of M and was elected to the board in 1998, then re-elected in 2006 and 2014. One of her main priorities as regent is to build more relationships between the university and the broader community, a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She is also concerned about ensuring U of M provides a quality education while remaining affordable and accessible.

The Republican candidates in this race are Lena Epstein and Sevag Vartanian. Epstein and Vartanian’s views on teaching accurate history and Epstein’s views on coronavirus are rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories.

Behm and White are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association and are the progressive choices in this race.

Democrat

Michael Behm

(Twitter)

Two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents are up for grabs in this election, and we recommend Democratic candidates Michael Behm and Katherine White.

Regent Michael Behm is a personal injury lawyer who has served on the board since 2014. His priorities for U of M include affordability, accountability, accessibility, and climate action. During his time on the board, he has been a vocal supporter of increasing the minimum wage for U of M employees to $15 and has consistently advocated for pro-climate changes on campus.

Regent Katherine White is an experienced lawyer and law professor at U of M and was elected to the board in 1998, then re-elected in 2006 and 2014. One of her main priorities as regent is to build more relationships between the university and the broader community, a goal she has pursued for more than 20 years. She is also concerned about ensuring U of M provides a quality education while remaining affordable and accessible.

The Republican candidates in this race are Lena Epstein and Sevag Vartanian. Epstein and Vartanian’s views on teaching accurate history and Epstein’s views on coronavirus are rooted in right-wing disinformation and conspiracy theories.

Behm and White are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association and are the progressive choices in this race.

Michigan State Board of Trustees

Democrat

Dennis Denno

Website Facebook

Voters will elect two candidates to the MSU Board of Trustees this year, and we recommend Democratic candidates Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno.

Renee Knake Jefferson is currently serving on the Board of Trustees after being appointed for a partial term in 2019. Her main priority on the board is transparency and she believes honesty and accountability are the best way for MSU to continue to move forward. Jefferson also wants to ensure tuition is affordable and work to develop stronger partnerships between the university and community stakeholders.

Dennis Denno says he is running because he views the Board of Trustees as a necessary check on the university president. After the impact past scandals have had on the MSU community, he plans to prioritize transparency and accountability. Denno also plans to increase the minimum wage for MSU employees.

Knake Jefferson and Denno are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

The two Republican candidates in this race are Mike Balow and Dr. Travis Menge.
Denno and Jefferson are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://reneeknake.com/
https://dennisdenno.com/

Democrat

Renee Knake Jefferson

Website (Twitter)

Voters will elect two candidates to the MSU Board of Trustees this year, and we recommend Democratic candidates Renee Knake Jefferson and Dennis Denno.

Renee Knake Jefferson is currently serving on the Board of Trustees after being appointed for a partial term in 2019. Her main priority on the board is transparency and she believes honesty and accountability are the best way for MSU to continue to move forward. Jefferson also wants to ensure tuition is affordable and work to develop stronger partnerships between the university and community stakeholders.

Dennis Denno says he is running because he views the Board of Trustees as a necessary check on the university president. After the impact past scandals have had on the MSU community, he plans to prioritize transparency and accountability. Denno also plans to increase the minimum wage for MSU employees.

Knake Jefferson and Denno are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

The two Republican candidates in this race are Mike Balow and Dr. Travis Menge.
Denno and Jefferson are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://reneeknake.com/
https://dennisdenno.com/

Wayne State Board of Governors

Democrat

Danielle Atkinson

Facebook

Voters will elect two members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson.

Current board member Marilyn Kelly is a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alum and professor who has extensive experience in public service. A former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kelly has also served on the Court of Appeals and was president of the Michigan Board of Education. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote justice and equality for all.

Danielle Atkinson is a lifelong advocate for working families and the founder of Mothering Justice, an organization dedicated to ensuring mothers of color are represented in the political process and their concerns are part of policy decisions. Atkinson plans to continue her work to create stronger, more equitable communities as part of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.

Kelly and Atkinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

Craig Wilsher and Christa Murphy are the Republican candidates in this race.
Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://www.votemarilynkelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonforWayneState

Democrat

Marilyn Kelly

Website

Voters will elect two members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson.

Current board member Marilyn Kelly is a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alum and professor who has extensive experience in public service. A former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kelly has also served on the Court of Appeals and was president of the Michigan Board of Education. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote justice and equality for all.

Danielle Atkinson is a lifelong advocate for working families and the founder of Mothering Justice, an organization dedicated to ensuring mothers of color are represented in the political process and their concerns are part of policy decisions. Atkinson plans to continue her work to create stronger, more equitable communities as part of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.

Kelly and Atkinson are endorsed by three of our partners: Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and Michigan Education Association.

Craig Wilsher and Christa Murphy are the Republican candidates in this race.
Marilyn Kelly and Danielle Atkinson are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://www.votemarilynkelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonforWayneState

Supreme Court

State Supreme Court

State Supreme Court candidates are located on the nonpartisan section of your ballot.

Kyra H. Bolden

Website Facebook (Twitter)

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Richard Bernstein and newcomer Kyra Harris Bolden.

Richard Bernstein is the first blind justice to sit on the state’s highest court and has worked during his time on the court to protect Michiganders’ rights, including the right to vote on reproductive freedom and voting rights initiatives, and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought to preserve emergency protections designed to keep communities safe. He also helped deliver a decision that made kids and educators safer by keeping guns out of Michigan classrooms.

Justice Bernstein has ruled against shady interest groups in multiple cases, including a decision that upheld prevailing wage laws that ensure construction workers are paid fairly, a ruling that public money should not be funneled into private schools, and a decision to hold election saboteurs accountable.

Kyra Harris Bolden would be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden is a passionate, experienced leader and legal professional who has worked throughout her career to promote justice and equality for all. She’s vowed to protect the rights of all Michiganders.

In addition to her legal knowledge and expertise, Bolden brings years of experience serving in the state legislature, where she was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.

Current Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahara has a history of failing to stand up for LGBTQ rights and victims of abuse. He’s taken money from the DeVos family and sided with their efforts to give public taxpayer dollars to private schools. He also sided with an opinion that sought to keep voting rights and reproductive freedom initiatives off the November ballot, which would have silenced Michigan voters. When given the opportunity to vote to keep guns out of Michigan’s schools, Zahra failed to do so.

Justice Bernstein and Bolden are endorsed by five of our partners including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Justice Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://theblindjustice.com/
https://boldenforjustice.com/

Richard Bernstein

Website

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Richard Bernstein and newcomer Kyra Harris Bolden.

Richard Bernstein is the first blind justice to sit on the state’s highest court and has worked during his time on the court to protect Michiganders’ rights, including the right to vote on reproductive freedom and voting rights initiatives, and preserve the integrity of the judicial system.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought to preserve emergency protections designed to keep communities safe. He also helped deliver a decision that made kids and educators safer by keeping guns out of Michigan classrooms.

Justice Bernstein has ruled against shady interest groups in multiple cases, including a decision that upheld prevailing wage laws that ensure construction workers are paid fairly, a ruling that public money should not be funneled into private schools, and a decision to hold election saboteurs accountable.

Kyra Harris Bolden would be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden is a passionate, experienced leader and legal professional who has worked throughout her career to promote justice and equality for all. She’s vowed to protect the rights of all Michiganders.

In addition to her legal knowledge and expertise, Bolden brings years of experience serving in the state legislature, where she was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, criminal justice reform, and reproductive freedom.

Current Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahara has a history of failing to stand up for LGBTQ rights and victims of abuse. He’s taken money from the DeVos family and sided with their efforts to give public taxpayer dollars to private schools. He also sided with an opinion that sought to keep voting rights and reproductive freedom initiatives off the November ballot, which would have silenced Michigan voters. When given the opportunity to vote to keep guns out of Michigan’s schools, Zahra failed to do so.

Justice Bernstein and Bolden are endorsed by five of our partners including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, and Equality Michigan.

Justice Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden are the progressive choices in this race.

Learn more:
https://theblindjustice.com/
https://boldenforjustice.com/

Senator, 3rd District

State Senator

Democrat

Stephanie Chang

Website Facebook Instagram (Twitter)

Stephanie Chang is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term to the Michigan State Senate. Prior to serving in the State Senate, she served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she was on the leadership team for the House Democratic Caucus for both terms. Chang was the first Asian American woman to be elected to the Michigan Legislature and was a co-founder of the Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus.

Chang’s priorities include air quality protection, education, criminal justice reforms, reproductive rights, and fighting for affordable and safe drinking water. She will fight for an economy that works for everyone by pushing to raise the minimum wage, protect collective bargaining rights, and ensure paid sick days for all workers. Chang has passed bipartisan legislation on a range of issues including female genital mutilation, nitrous oxide “whip-its,” re-entry services for wrongfully convicted individuals who were exonerated, and more.

Chang 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.

Stephanie Chang is the most progressive choice in this race.

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

Website Facebook (Twitter)

Nate Shannon is an incumbent Democrat running for his third term to the Michigan House of Representatives. Before becoming a representative, Shannon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Oakland University and a Master’s in education from Wayne State University. He was also a public school teacher for 10 years and served on the Sterling Heights City Council.

Shannon’s priorities and past sponsorship or co-sponsorship on bills include fighting to increase K-12 public education funding, working to make health care accessible to all Michiganders—including those with pre-existing conditions, and investing in job training and community college affordability. Shannon has also fought for infrastructure improvements including fixing roads, getting rural Michiganders broadband internet, and protecting our environment by requiring corporations to pay up when they pollute our water or our air.

Shannon is endorsed by six of our partners: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Education Association.

Shannon is running against Republican Michelle Smith. Smith is anti-reproductive rights and is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan and the DeVos-backed Michigan Freedom Network and Great Lakes Education Project organizations.

Nate Shannon is the most progressive choice in this race.

Learn more: https://nateforstaterep.com/

Macomb County

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below county races on your ballot.

Macomb County Executive

No Good Choices

Mark Hackel is running for re-election as Macomb County Executive, he has served on the commission since 2011. Before that, he served as Macomb County Sheriff. We find Hackel’s record to be a mixed bag as far as his position on progressive issues. While we’re glad he’s worked to hold Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido accountable for problematic behavior in office, we cannot recommend Hackel. There is no progressive choice in this race.

County Commission

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below county district races on your ballot.

Macomb County, District 11 County Commission

Macomb County Commission, District 11

Democrat

Mai Xiong

Website Facebook (Twitter)

Mai Xiong is a Democrat running for her second term on the Macomb County Commission. Mai and her family came to America as Hmong refugees when she was three years old. She now owns a clothing store.

She is endorsed by the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. Xiong is also an approved/endorsed candidate for Fems for Dems, Oakland/Macomb National Organization of Women, and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights

Xiong is running against Republican Clifford Frost, who is endorsed by the anti-choice organization Right to Life Michigan.

Mai Xiong is the more progressive choice in this race.

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

Macomb County, District 12 County Commission

Vote YES

This 0.95 mills for Oakland County Public Transportation will keep and maintain current public transit service, improve and expand transit by creating and extending routes—including expanding rural transit—and fund capital improvements and seize new opportunities to match federal, state, and other funding opportunities. The 10-year millage is estimated to generate over $66 million in the first year. This millage will improve mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, those without ready access to a car, and those who need or want options beyond driving and need reliable transportation to get to work, go grocery shopping, keep medical appointments, go to school, and go about their daily lives.

Vote YES on the Oakland County Public Transit Millage.

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Stephanie Chang

Stephanie Chang

3rd Senate District

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