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103rd House District

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Election Day November 5, 2024
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The Michigan Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about races on your ballot, based on your values. 

Federal

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Emgage Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Emgage Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Emgage Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race

Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president and has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her vice president. Between them, Harris and Walz have a wealth of executive and legislative experience, and both have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our freedoms and fighting for a brighter future for all Americans.

Before serving as vice president, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General and served in the U.S. Senate. Tim Walz spent 24 years in the US Military before his professional career as a teacher and coach, before serving six terms in Congress and one full term as governor of Minnesota.

Harris and Walz’s vision for America centers on protecting the rights and freedoms of people across the country and fighting back against the attacks MAGA Republicans have launched on abortion access, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights, and racial justice. They also aim to foster an economic environment where everyone can thrive, not just corporations and the wealthy, protect our environment from corporate polluters, and enact common-sense gun violence prevention laws to make us all safer.

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: Clean Water Action, Emgage Action, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Vice President Harris’s opponent in this race is former president Donald Trump, a con man whose time in the White House was characterized by chaos, bigotry, and a focus on taking care of himself and his wealthy friends. Trump has selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate. Vance has limited experience in governing and has followed Trump’s lead in spreading harmful racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the most progressive choices in this race

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who has represented Michigan for three terms in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives, is running this year for her first term representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Slotkin spent much of her career working on national security issues for the federal government. After losing her mother to cancer and witnessing firsthand the way families dealing with a serious illness must also navigate tremendous financial stress, she decided to run for Congress and work toward a more just healthcare system.

In addition to taking on big pharma and insurance companies, Rep. Slotkin’s policy priorities include creating safer communities via gun violence prevention laws, protecting abortion rights, reducing inequality and ensuring all families have what they need to thrive, and defending our democracy and voting rights.

Rep. Slotkin has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Slotkin’s opponent is Mike Rogers, a Trump-endorsed candidate who shares many of the former president’s priorities, including harsh, authoritarian immigration and policing policies, criminalizing abortion, and supporting corporations over everyday Americans. Mike Rogers recently moved back to Michigan after living in Florida for years in order to run for the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin is the most progressive choice in this race.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who has represented Michigan for three terms in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives, is running this year for her first term representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Slotkin spent much of her career working on national security issues for the federal government. After losing her mother to cancer and witnessing firsthand the way families dealing with a serious illness must also navigate tremendous financial stress, she decided to run for Congress and work toward a more just healthcare system.

In addition to taking on big pharma and insurance companies, Rep. Slotkin’s policy priorities include creating safer communities via gun violence prevention laws, protecting abortion rights, reducing inequality and ensuring all families have what they need to thrive, and defending our democracy and voting rights.

Rep. Slotkin has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club - Michigan.

Rep. Slotkin’s opponent is Mike Rogers, a Trump-endorsed candidate who shares many of the former president’s priorities, including harsh, authoritarian immigration and policing policies, criminalizing abortion, and supporting corporations over everyday Americans. Mike Rogers recently moved back to Michigan after living in Florida for years in order to run for the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin is the most progressive choice in this race.

Supreme Court

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term and Kimberly Ann Thomas for the full term. Both Justice Bolden and Thomas were nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party. Note: The Michigan Supreme Court race is found on the non-partisan section of the ballot.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Kimberly Ann Thomas is a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic, representing low-income individuals who otherwise would not have access to legal support. Her deep commitment to justice is rooted in her career teaching future lawyers about ethical practices and fighting for fairness for all. As a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, Thomas brings a dedication to integrity, compassion, and reform, particularly for underserved communities.

Her leadership on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform stands out as a key part of her career. Using a data-driven approach, she championed meaningful reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system, addressing systemic inequities. Kimberly Thomas believes in equal justice and representation for all citizens, regardless of background or financial means. Her experience gives her a vision for a more just Michigan, where everyone has the right to fair representation and access to the courts.

Thomas is running against Andrew Fink, who has a background as Republican state representative and is a candidate aligned with the ultra-conservative Federalist Society, known for backing judges like Amy Coney Barrett and Brett M. Kavanaugh, and the decisions that have led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Fink holds extreme views that go beyond reproductive rights. His record includes opposition to marriage equality and protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Fink has also consistently voted against expanding voting rights, including laws aimed at easing voter registration, preventing poll worker intimidation, regulating deceptive political ads, and ensuring election integrity. Fink is endorsed by a huge lineup of Michigan's far-right, conservative lawmakers, including those who pushed conspiracy theories about our elections.

Fink’s stance is sharply contrasted by Thomas, who has fought for inclusive, accessible justice. His resistance to funding measures that would help implement voter-approved amendments expanding early voting and his votes against enhancing the election certification process further illustrate his radical agenda.

Kimberly Ann Thomas is the most progressive choice in the race against Fink for the full term on the court.

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term and Kimberly Ann Thomas for the full term. Both Justice Bolden and Thomas were nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party. Note: The Michigan Supreme Court race is found on the non-partisan section of the ballot.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Kimberly Ann Thomas is a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic, representing low-income individuals who otherwise would not have access to legal support. Her deep commitment to justice is rooted in her career teaching future lawyers about ethical practices and fighting for fairness for all. As a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, Thomas brings a dedication to integrity, compassion, and reform, particularly for underserved communities.

Her leadership on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform stands out as a key part of her career. Using a data-driven approach, she championed meaningful reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system, addressing systemic inequities. Kimberly Thomas believes in equal justice and representation for all citizens, regardless of background or financial means. Her experience gives her a vision for a more just Michigan, where everyone has the right to fair representation and access to the courts.

Thomas is running against Andrew Fink, who has a background as Republican state representative and is a candidate aligned with the ultra-conservative Federalist Society, known for backing judges like Amy Coney Barrett and Brett M. Kavanaugh, and the decisions that have led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Fink holds extreme views that go beyond reproductive rights. His record includes opposition to marriage equality and protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Fink has also consistently voted against expanding voting rights, including laws aimed at easing voter registration, preventing poll worker intimidation, regulating deceptive political ads, and ensuring election integrity. Fink is endorsed by a huge lineup of Michigan's far-right, conservative lawmakers, including those who pushed conspiracy theories about our elections.

Fink’s stance is sharply contrasted by Thomas, who has fought for inclusive, accessible justice. His resistance to funding measures that would help implement voter-approved amendments expanding early voting and his votes against enhancing the election certification process further illustrate his radical agenda.

Kimberly Ann Thomas is the most progressive choice in the race against Fink for the full term on the court.

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term and Kimberly Ann Thomas for the full term. Both Justice Bolden and Thomas were nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party. Note: The Michigan Supreme Court race is found on the non-partisan section of the ballot.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden made history as the first Black woman appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, replacing Bridget Mary McCormack. Justice Bolden is committed to protecting equal justice, expanding access to justice, and upholding the rule of law. In her second year on the court, she has authored three majority opinions, including one unanimous decision. Her approach centers on ensuring that all citizens—regardless of their gender, race, or background—receive fair and equal treatment under the law.

Justice Bolden started her career as a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she served two terms. During her tenure, she championed criminal justice reform and passed five bipartisan bills to protect survivors of sexual violence.

Justice Bolden brings a vital perspective to the Michigan Supreme Court through her diverse life experiences and deep engagement with the criminal justice system. As the first Black woman to serve on the state's highest court, she represents a much-needed voice for communities that have been historically marginalized in the legal system. Her background as a criminal defense attorney, civil litigator, and legislator allows her to understand the complexities of law from multiple angles, particularly the disproportionate impacts of the system on vulnerable populations.

Bolden’s opponent, Patrick William O’Grady is the Michigan Republican Party nominee and is endorsed by Donald Trump, whose choice of justices at the federal level led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. O’Grady is endorsed by far-right, fringe figures such as Ted Nugent and Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is the most progressive choice in the race against O’Grady to fill a partial term on the court.

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for grabs this year, and we recommend incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term and Kimberly Ann Thomas for the full term. Both Justice Bolden and Thomas were nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party. Note: The Michigan Supreme Court race is found on the non-partisan section of the ballot.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, MI Poder, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden made history as the first Black woman appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, replacing Bridget Mary McCormack. Justice Bolden is committed to protecting equal justice, expanding access to justice, and upholding the rule of law. In her second year on the court, she has authored three majority opinions, including one unanimous decision. Her approach centers on ensuring that all citizens—regardless of their gender, race, or background—receive fair and equal treatment under the law.

Justice Bolden started her career as a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she served two terms. During her tenure, she championed criminal justice reform and passed five bipartisan bills to protect survivors of sexual violence.

Justice Bolden brings a vital perspective to the Michigan Supreme Court through her diverse life experiences and deep engagement with the criminal justice system. As the first Black woman to serve on the state's highest court, she represents a much-needed voice for communities that have been historically marginalized in the legal system. Her background as a criminal defense attorney, civil litigator, and legislator allows her to understand the complexities of law from multiple angles, particularly the disproportionate impacts of the system on vulnerable populations.

Bolden’s opponent, Patrick William O’Grady is the Michigan Republican Party nominee and is endorsed by Donald Trump, whose choice of justices at the federal level led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. O’Grady is endorsed by far-right, fringe figures such as Ted Nugent and Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College.

Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is the most progressive choice in the race against O’Grady to fill a partial term on the court.

1st Congressional District

Callie Barr is running for her first term in Congress to represent the 1st District. In addition to being a mother and a military spouse, Barr has taught English at the high school level and is now a lawyer working to connect veterans with free legal services.

Barr wants to fight for the needs of families in northern Michigan who are struggling to make ends meet. Her policy platform includes defending democracy, securing Internet access for rural residents, supporting the middle class, making sure everyone has access to healthcare, and creating safer communities via common-sense gun violence prevention laws.

Barr has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Callie Barr’s opponent in this race is Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, who opposes abortion rights and gun violence prevention laws and has supported the MAGA agenda. Bergman is also endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan.

Callie Barr is the most progressive choice in this race.

Callie Barr is running for her first term in Congress to represent the 1st District. In addition to being a mother and a military spouse, Barr has taught English at the high school level and is now a lawyer working to connect veterans with free legal services.

Barr wants to fight for the needs of families in northern Michigan who are struggling to make ends meet. Her policy platform includes defending democracy, securing Internet access for rural residents, supporting the middle class, making sure everyone has access to healthcare, and creating safer communities via common-sense gun violence prevention laws.

Barr has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Sierra Club - Michigan.

Callie Barr’s opponent in this race is Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, who opposes abortion rights and gun violence prevention laws and has supported the MAGA agenda. Bergman is also endorsed by the anti-reproductive freedom organization Right to Life Michigan.

Callie Barr is the most progressive choice in this race.

Representative, 103rd District

Betsy Coffia is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term in the Michigan House of Representatives representing House District 103. Coffia grew up in northern Michigan and has long been an activist in the community. She was the first Democratic woman in over three decades to be elected to the Grand Traverse County Commission in 2018 and was re-elected as a commissioner in 2020.

​​Coffia served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Coffia also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.

Coffia’s priorities include fighting for an economy that works for everyone, preserving Michigan’s natural resources, protecting reproductive rights, and protecting voting rights. She will work to address the climate crisis, expand access to quality mental and physical health care, and ensure everyone has a living wage. Coffia will support fully funding public education, standing with teachers and fighting to make sure they have the resources they need. She will fight to ensure LGBTQ+ equality, support common sense gun violence prevention measures, and protect workers’ rights.

Coffia has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and We the People - Michigan.

Coffia is running against Republican Lisa Trombley, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Trombley is anti-abortion and stands against Attorney General Dana Nessel’s actions to shut down Line 5 and safeguard Lake Michigan from oil spills. Trombley has also taken thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Betsy DeVos and is endorsed by the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Betsy Coffia is the most progressive choice in the race.

Betsy Coffia is an incumbent Democrat running for her second term in the Michigan House of Representatives representing House District 103. Coffia grew up in northern Michigan and has long been an activist in the community. She was the first Democratic woman in over three decades to be elected to the Grand Traverse County Commission in 2018 and was re-elected as a commissioner in 2020.

​​Coffia served in a historic legislative session with a Democratic majority that took major strides forward on key progressive issues. The Democratic majority passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring all Michiganders can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family, gave Michigan's kids free school breakfast and lunch and additional funds to support our students, and passed common sense gun violence prevention measures. Putting hard-working Michiganders' first, they also quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, got rid of the retirement tax, and got rid of so-called "right to work" anti-worker legislation to ensure workers have bargaining power to stand up to greedy corporations. Coffia also helped expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and codify parts of the Affordable Care Act into law that protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination in healthcare, housing, and the workplace.

Coffia’s priorities include fighting for an economy that works for everyone, preserving Michigan’s natural resources, protecting reproductive rights, and protecting voting rights. She will work to address the climate crisis, expand access to quality mental and physical health care, and ensure everyone has a living wage. Coffia will support fully funding public education, standing with teachers and fighting to make sure they have the resources they need. She will fight to ensure LGBTQ+ equality, support common sense gun violence prevention measures, and protect workers’ rights.

Coffia has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Clean Water Action, Equality Michigan Action Network, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Education Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, Service Employees International Union - Michigan, Sierra Club - Michigan, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and We the People - Michigan.

Coffia is running against Republican Lisa Trombley, who is decidedly anti-progressive. Trombley is anti-abortion and stands against Attorney General Dana Nessel’s actions to shut down Line 5 and safeguard Lake Michigan from oil spills. Trombley has also taken thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Betsy DeVos and is endorsed by the anti-public education, DeVos-backed organization the Great Lakes Education Project.

Betsy Coffia is the most progressive choice in the race.

Other Statewide

Voters will elect two members of the State Board of Education this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Adam Zemke and Ted Jones as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Adam Zemke is from Ann Arbor and served as a lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He is an appointed member of the state’s MiSTEM Advisor Council, which works to make Michigan a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Ted Jones is from Detroit and the senior accountant for talent initiatives at Global Detroit, a nonprofit that works to include immigrants in the economy. Previously he worked as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican candidates in this race are incumbents Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, who have served since 2016. Tom McMillin was formerly a representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014 where he earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the caucus and owns a public accounting firm. As a State Board of Education member, McMillin voted against the resolution the State Board of Education passed earlier this year to bring more transparency and oversight to for-profit charter schools. McMillin and Snyder have both associated with far-right, anti-public schools groups such as FEC United and Moms for Liberty. They have spoken at events where opposition to free school lunches and universal preK school were spoken about as bad policies.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members of the State Board of Education this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Adam Zemke and Ted Jones as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Adam Zemke is from Ann Arbor and served as a lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He is an appointed member of the state’s MiSTEM Advisor Council, which works to make Michigan a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Ted Jones is from Detroit and the senior accountant for talent initiatives at Global Detroit, a nonprofit that works to include immigrants in the economy. Previously he worked as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican candidates in this race are incumbents Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, who have served since 2016. Tom McMillin was formerly a representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014 where he earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the caucus and owns a public accounting firm. As a State Board of Education member, McMillin voted against the resolution the State Board of Education passed earlier this year to bring more transparency and oversight to for-profit charter schools. McMillin and Snyder have both associated with far-right, anti-public schools groups such as FEC United and Moms for Liberty. They have spoken at events where opposition to free school lunches and universal preK school were spoken about as bad policies.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones are the progressive choices in this race.

Democrat

Ted Jones

Voters will elect two members of the State Board of Education this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Adam Zemke and Ted Jones as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Adam Zemke is from Ann Arbor and served as a lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He is an appointed member of the state’s MiSTEM Advisor Council, which works to make Michigan a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Ted Jones is from Detroit and the senior accountant for talent initiatives at Global Detroit, a nonprofit that works to include immigrants in the economy. Previously he worked as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican candidates in this race are incumbents Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, who have served since 2016. Tom McMillin was formerly a representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014 where he earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the caucus and owns a public accounting firm. As a State Board of Education member, McMillin voted against the resolution the State Board of Education passed earlier this year to bring more transparency and oversight to for-profit charter schools. McMillin and Snyder have both associated with far-right, anti-public schools groups such as FEC United and Moms for Liberty. They have spoken at events where opposition to free school lunches and universal preK school were spoken about as bad policies.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members of the State Board of Education this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Adam Zemke and Ted Jones as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Adam Zemke is from Ann Arbor and served as a lawmaker in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He is an appointed member of the state’s MiSTEM Advisor Council, which works to make Michigan a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Ted Jones is from Detroit and the senior accountant for talent initiatives at Global Detroit, a nonprofit that works to include immigrants in the economy. Previously he worked as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican candidates in this race are incumbents Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, who have served since 2016. Tom McMillin was formerly a representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014 where he earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the caucus and owns a public accounting firm. As a State Board of Education member, McMillin voted against the resolution the State Board of Education passed earlier this year to bring more transparency and oversight to for-profit charter schools. McMillin and Snyder have both associated with far-right, anti-public schools groups such as FEC United and Moms for Liberty. They have spoken at events where opposition to free school lunches and universal preK school were spoken about as bad policies.

Adam Zemke and Ted Jones are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Denise Ilitch is an incumbent regent running for re-election. The first person in her family to go to college, Ilitch understands the importance of fighting for a quality, affordable education for all. She brings a diverse business experience to the role and she serves on a variety of area nonprofit boards. She will do everything she can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships, and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people.

Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs is a former regent who left the Board in 2020. She is a University of Michigan Alumna, having received her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1994. She served as the first-ever medical director of the Detroit Medical Center Advanced Laser Treatment Center and as a proponent of community engagement, also serves as a member of the Junior League of Detroit and serves on the board of directors of several area nonprofits.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan. Ilitch has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian. Meyers appears to believe that school shootings are caused by video games and is against transgender athletes.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Denise Ilitch is an incumbent regent running for re-election. The first person in her family to go to college, Ilitch understands the importance of fighting for a quality, affordable education for all. She brings a diverse business experience to the role and she serves on a variety of area nonprofit boards. She will do everything she can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships, and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people.

Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs is a former regent who left the Board in 2020. She is a University of Michigan Alumna, having received her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1994. She served as the first-ever medical director of the Detroit Medical Center Advanced Laser Treatment Center and as a proponent of community engagement, also serves as a member of the Junior League of Detroit and serves on the board of directors of several area nonprofits.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan. Ilitch has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian. Meyers appears to believe that school shootings are caused by video games and is against transgender athletes.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Denise Ilitch is an incumbent regent running for re-election. The first person in her family to go to college, Ilitch understands the importance of fighting for a quality, affordable education for all. She brings a diverse business experience to the role and she serves on a variety of area nonprofit boards. She will do everything she can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships, and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people.

Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs is a former regent who left the Board in 2020. She is a University of Michigan Alumna, having received her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1994. She served as the first-ever medical director of the Detroit Medical Center Advanced Laser Treatment Center and as a proponent of community engagement, also serves as a member of the Junior League of Detroit and serves on the board of directors of several area nonprofits.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan. Ilitch has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian. Meyers appears to believe that school shootings are caused by video games and is against transgender athletes.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the University of Michigan Board of Regents this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Denise Ilitch is an incumbent regent running for re-election. The first person in her family to go to college, Ilitch understands the importance of fighting for a quality, affordable education for all. She brings a diverse business experience to the role and she serves on a variety of area nonprofit boards. She will do everything she can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships, and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people.

Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs is a former regent who left the Board in 2020. She is a University of Michigan Alumna, having received her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1994. She served as the first-ever medical director of the Detroit Medical Center Advanced Laser Treatment Center and as a proponent of community engagement, also serves as a member of the Junior League of Detroit and serves on the board of directors of several area nonprofits.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan. Ilitch has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian. Meyers appears to believe that school shootings are caused by video games and is against transgender athletes.

Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Thomas Stallworth has worked as a manager with the Detroit Urban League and a civil servant for the City of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He is a former Michigan state representative, having served from 2011 to 2014. He served as a board member in Detroit Public Schools and helped establish the Aisha Schule After School Tutorial Program in Detroit.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook is an MSU Alumna and proud parent of two recent MSU graduates. As a small business owner living in East Lansing, she has helped dozens of nonprofits and Democratic candidates raise the resources needed to improve the lives of Michigan’s citizens. She served for over a decade on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, served as chair of the Ingham County Board of Canvassers, and founded and served as a member of the Ingham County Women’s Commission for nearly 20 years.

Bahar-Cook’s priorities include improving MSU’s affordability for Michigan families, promoting board civility and cooperation with university groups, and maintaining MSU’s ranking as a premier research institution. She will work to ensure that student workers, staff and faculty are treated with respect and dignity and that community safety is a priority on all levels.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Mike Balow and Julie Maday. In 2020 Maday supported the big lie as a member of the Novi City Council.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Thomas Stallworth has worked as a manager with the Detroit Urban League and a civil servant for the City of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He is a former Michigan state representative, having served from 2011 to 2014. He served as a board member in Detroit Public Schools and helped establish the Aisha Schule After School Tutorial Program in Detroit.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook is an MSU Alumna and proud parent of two recent MSU graduates. As a small business owner living in East Lansing, she has helped dozens of nonprofits and Democratic candidates raise the resources needed to improve the lives of Michigan’s citizens. She served for over a decade on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, served as chair of the Ingham County Board of Canvassers, and founded and served as a member of the Ingham County Women’s Commission for nearly 20 years.

Bahar-Cook’s priorities include improving MSU’s affordability for Michigan families, promoting board civility and cooperation with university groups, and maintaining MSU’s ranking as a premier research institution. She will work to ensure that student workers, staff and faculty are treated with respect and dignity and that community safety is a priority on all levels.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Mike Balow and Julie Maday. In 2020 Maday supported the big lie as a member of the Novi City Council.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Thomas Stallworth has worked as a manager with the Detroit Urban League and a civil servant for the City of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He is a former Michigan state representative, having served from 2011 to 2014. He served as a board member in Detroit Public Schools and helped establish the Aisha Schule After School Tutorial Program in Detroit.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook is an MSU Alumna and proud parent of two recent MSU graduates. As a small business owner living in East Lansing, she has helped dozens of nonprofits and Democratic candidates raise the resources needed to improve the lives of Michigan’s citizens. She served for over a decade on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, served as chair of the Ingham County Board of Canvassers, and founded and served as a member of the Ingham County Women’s Commission for nearly 20 years.

Bahar-Cook’s priorities include improving MSU’s affordability for Michigan families, promoting board civility and cooperation with university groups, and maintaining MSU’s ranking as a premier research institution. She will work to ensure that student workers, staff and faculty are treated with respect and dignity and that community safety is a priority on all levels.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Mike Balow and Julie Maday. In 2020 Maday supported the big lie as a member of the Novi City Council.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Thomas Stallworth has worked as a manager with the Detroit Urban League and a civil servant for the City of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He is a former Michigan state representative, having served from 2011 to 2014. He served as a board member in Detroit Public Schools and helped establish the Aisha Schule After School Tutorial Program in Detroit.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook is an MSU Alumna and proud parent of two recent MSU graduates. As a small business owner living in East Lansing, she has helped dozens of nonprofits and Democratic candidates raise the resources needed to improve the lives of Michigan’s citizens. She served for over a decade on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, served as chair of the Ingham County Board of Canvassers, and founded and served as a member of the Ingham County Women’s Commission for nearly 20 years.

Bahar-Cook’s priorities include improving MSU’s affordability for Michigan families, promoting board civility and cooperation with university groups, and maintaining MSU’s ranking as a premier research institution. She will work to ensure that student workers, staff and faculty are treated with respect and dignity and that community safety is a priority on all levels.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Mike Balow and Julie Maday. In 2020 Maday supported the big lie as a member of the Novi City Council.

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rasha Demashkie and Mark Gaffney as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Rasha Demashkie has served as commissioner and vice chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, served on the Port Huron Area School District board of trustees, the executive board of the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services, and the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Rasha Demashkie is focused on student success and providing a wide range of experiences that promote their growth; providing a diverse education experience that is affordable and accessible; and offering quality, exciting, cutting edge learning with real life experiences. She will work to prepare students for meaningful employment and help them flourish in the future workforce, and she will support top quality engaged staff who are dedicated to the success and growth of their students.

Mark Gaffney is an incumbent who took office in 2017 and is running for re-election. Gaffney is recently retired from Teamsters Local Union #214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan. He was previously elected three times to serve as the president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, becoming one of the leading political, legislative, and labor figures in the state. He has extensive expertise in workforce issues and labor relations.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Michael Busuito and Sunny Reddy. In June of 2023 when the Wayne State Board of Governors was voting on the new Center for Gender and Sexuality, Bustito made comments about how the LGBTQ+ community is out of control and they have psychiatric issues. Reddy is against DEI and trans athletes.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rasha Demashkie and Mark Gaffney as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Rasha Demashkie has served as commissioner and vice chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, served on the Port Huron Area School District board of trustees, the executive board of the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services, and the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Rasha Demashkie is focused on student success and providing a wide range of experiences that promote their growth; providing a diverse education experience that is affordable and accessible; and offering quality, exciting, cutting edge learning with real life experiences. She will work to prepare students for meaningful employment and help them flourish in the future workforce, and she will support top quality engaged staff who are dedicated to the success and growth of their students.

Mark Gaffney is an incumbent who took office in 2017 and is running for re-election. Gaffney is recently retired from Teamsters Local Union #214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan. He was previously elected three times to serve as the president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, becoming one of the leading political, legislative, and labor figures in the state. He has extensive expertise in workforce issues and labor relations.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Michael Busuito and Sunny Reddy. In June of 2023 when the Wayne State Board of Governors was voting on the new Center for Gender and Sexuality, Bustito made comments about how the LGBTQ+ community is out of control and they have psychiatric issues. Reddy is against DEI and trans athletes.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rasha Demashkie and Mark Gaffney as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Rasha Demashkie has served as commissioner and vice chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, served on the Port Huron Area School District board of trustees, the executive board of the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services, and the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Rasha Demashkie is focused on student success and providing a wide range of experiences that promote their growth; providing a diverse education experience that is affordable and accessible; and offering quality, exciting, cutting edge learning with real life experiences. She will work to prepare students for meaningful employment and help them flourish in the future workforce, and she will support top quality engaged staff who are dedicated to the success and growth of their students.

Mark Gaffney is an incumbent who took office in 2017 and is running for re-election. Gaffney is recently retired from Teamsters Local Union #214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan. He was previously elected three times to serve as the president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, becoming one of the leading political, legislative, and labor figures in the state. He has extensive expertise in workforce issues and labor relations.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Michael Busuito and Sunny Reddy. In June of 2023 when the Wayne State Board of Governors was voting on the new Center for Gender and Sexuality, Bustito made comments about how the LGBTQ+ community is out of control and they have psychiatric issues. Reddy is against DEI and trans athletes.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney are the progressive choices in this race.

Voters will elect two members to the Wayne State University Board of Governors this November, and we recommend Democratic candidates Rasha Demashkie and Mark Gaffney as the most progressive candidates in this race.

Rasha Demashkie has served as commissioner and vice chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, served on the Port Huron Area School District board of trustees, the executive board of the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services, and the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Rasha Demashkie is focused on student success and providing a wide range of experiences that promote their growth; providing a diverse education experience that is affordable and accessible; and offering quality, exciting, cutting edge learning with real life experiences. She will work to prepare students for meaningful employment and help them flourish in the future workforce, and she will support top quality engaged staff who are dedicated to the success and growth of their students.

Mark Gaffney is an incumbent who took office in 2017 and is running for re-election. Gaffney is recently retired from Teamsters Local Union #214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan. He was previously elected three times to serve as the president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, becoming one of the leading political, legislative, and labor figures in the state. He has extensive expertise in workforce issues and labor relations.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney have been endorsed by the following progressive partner organizations: American Federation of Teachers - Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Education Association, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Service Employees International Union - Michigan.

The two Republican choices for this race are Michael Busuito and Sunny Reddy. In June of 2023 when the Wayne State Board of Governors was voting on the new Center for Gender and Sexuality, Bustito made comments about how the LGBTQ+ community is out of control and they have psychiatric issues. Reddy is against DEI and trans athletes.

Rasha Demashkieh and Mark Gaffney are the progressive choices in this race.

Grand Traverse County

Republican Noelle Moggenberg is running unopposed for Grand Traverse County prosecuting attorney. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Noelle Moggenberg is running unopposed for Grand Traverse County prosecuting attorney. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Michael Shea and Libertarian Michael Gorbe are running for Grand Traverse County sheriff. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Michael Shea and Libertarian Michael Gorbe are running for Grand Traverse County sheriff. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Bonnie Scheele is running unopposed for Grand Traverse County clerk. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Bonnie Scheele is running unopposed for Grand Traverse County clerk. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Jamie Callahan and Libertarian Kimberly Dowlan are running for Grand Traverse treasurer. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Jamie Callahan and Libertarian Kimberly Dowlan are running for Grand Traverse treasurer. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Andy Smits and Libertarian Zachary Dean are running for Grand Traverse County drain commissioner. There are no good choices in this race.

Republican Andy Smits and Libertarian Zachary Dean are running for Grand Traverse County drain commissioner. There are no good choices in this race.

County Commission

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

Grand Traverse County, District 2 County Commission

Lauren Flynn is a Democrat incumbent running for her second term on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, where she serves on the Opioid Task Force. She is a single mother, has a master’s degree in business management and is in school working on another master’s degree in nonprofit leadership. She has worked many different positions in industries such as hospitality, real estate, retail, and higher education. She also serves on the boards of Veterans Affairs, Networks Northwest, Economic Development, and Northern Nexus.

Her priorities include child care affordability, housing insecurity, mental health accessibility, and government transparency.

Flynn has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: We the People - Michigan.

Flynn is running against Republican Daniel Smith.

Lauren Flynn is the best choice in this race.

Lauren Flynn is a Democrat incumbent running for her second term on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, where she serves on the Opioid Task Force. She is a single mother, has a master’s degree in business management and is in school working on another master’s degree in nonprofit leadership. She has worked many different positions in industries such as hospitality, real estate, retail, and higher education. She also serves on the boards of Veterans Affairs, Networks Northwest, Economic Development, and Northern Nexus.

Her priorities include child care affordability, housing insecurity, mental health accessibility, and government transparency.

Flynn has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: We the People - Michigan.

Flynn is running against Republican Daniel Smith.

Lauren Flynn is the best choice in this race.

Grand Traverse County, District 3 County Commission

Ashlea Walter is a Democrat incumbent running for her second term on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners. She works as assistant vice president, and marketing and communications manager at Honor Bank. Prior to becoming county commissioner, Walter served as a Traverse City commissioner from 2019 to 2022 and was also on the Empire Village Council. She now serves in board roles with the Commission on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, and Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency.

Walter’s priorities include better care for seniors, affordable workforce housing, mental health, childcare, equality for all people, public education, the arts, and combating the climate crisis.

Walter is running against Republican Brian Hagerty.

Ashlea Walter is the best choice in this race.

Ashlea Walter is a Democrat incumbent running for her second term on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners. She works as assistant vice president, and marketing and communications manager at Honor Bank. Prior to becoming county commissioner, Walter served as a Traverse City commissioner from 2019 to 2022 and was also on the Empire Village Council. She now serves in board roles with the Commission on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, and Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency.

Walter’s priorities include better care for seniors, affordable workforce housing, mental health, childcare, equality for all people, public education, the arts, and combating the climate crisis.

Walter is running against Republican Brian Hagerty.

Ashlea Walter is the best choice in this race.

Grand Traverse County, District 4 County Commission

Fern Spence is a Democrat running for commissioner on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 4th District. She is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a master’s in urban and regional planning. Spence serves on Garfield Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission as co-chair and is also on the township’s zoning board of appeals.

Spence’s priorities include improving the county's integrity and transparency, addressing the housing crisis, encouraging smarter transportation, increasing childcare options, and improving our environment with practical available tools. She also wants to make it safer for people, especially kids, to walk and get outside.

Spence is running against Republican incumbent Brad Jewett who was arrested in June 2024 during an undercover operation for solicitation of prostitution. He has been charged with two misdemeanors including engaging the services of a prostitute and using a computer to commit a crime. So far he has pleaded not guilty and the case is pending.

Fern Spence is the best choice in this race.

Fern Spence is a Democrat running for commissioner on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 4th District. She is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a master’s in urban and regional planning. Spence serves on Garfield Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission as co-chair and is also on the township’s zoning board of appeals.

Spence’s priorities include improving the county's integrity and transparency, addressing the housing crisis, encouraging smarter transportation, increasing childcare options, and improving our environment with practical available tools. She also wants to make it safer for people, especially kids, to walk and get outside.

Spence is running against Republican incumbent Brad Jewett who was arrested in June 2024 during an undercover operation for solicitation of prostitution. He has been charged with two misdemeanors including engaging the services of a prostitute and using a computer to commit a crime. So far he has pleaded not guilty and the case is pending.

Fern Spence is the best choice in this race.

Grand Traverse County, District 5 County Commission

Trenton Lee is a Democrat running for commissioner on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 5th District. He was raised in Traverse City and graduated from Traverse City Saint Francis High School. After high school he attended the University of Michigan and majored in Sociology and Women’s Studies and then from there he attended the University of Westminster in London, England and graduated with a master’s degree in Social Media, Culture and Society, and worked as a Lecturer of Media Theory for 3 years. He currently works as a Media & Communications Specialist for North Country Community Mental Health.

Lee’s priorities include expanding and protecting access to healthcare, addressing the housing crisis, promoting civic engagement and transparency, community safety, and protecting the local environment.

Lee has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: We the People - Michigan.

Lee is running against Randy Kamps, who has no party affiliation, and Republican incumbent Robert Hentschel. In 2021, Hentschel defended the right-wing extremist group called the Proud Boys. Hentschel, as chairman of the Board in 2021, also laughed when board member Ron Clous infamously brandished a rifle during a virtual Board meeting.

Trenton Lee is the best choice in this race.

Trenton Lee is a Democrat running for commissioner on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 5th District. He was raised in Traverse City and graduated from Traverse City Saint Francis High School. After high school he attended the University of Michigan and majored in Sociology and Women’s Studies and then from there he attended the University of Westminster in London, England and graduated with a master’s degree in Social Media, Culture and Society, and worked as a Lecturer of Media Theory for 3 years. He currently works as a Media & Communications Specialist for North Country Community Mental Health.

Lee’s priorities include expanding and protecting access to healthcare, addressing the housing crisis, promoting civic engagement and transparency, community safety, and protecting the local environment.

Lee has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: We the People - Michigan.

Lee is running against Randy Kamps, who has no party affiliation, and Republican incumbent Robert Hentschel. In 2021, Hentschel defended the right-wing extremist group called the Proud Boys. Hentschel, as chairman of the Board in 2021, also laughed when board member Ron Clous infamously brandished a rifle during a virtual Board meeting.

Trenton Lee is the best choice in this race.

Grand Traverse County, District 6 County Commission

Jan Wyant is a Democrat running for commissioner on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 6th District. She moved to Traverse City in the 1990s and together with her husband they founded Wyant Technologies, which provides IT and cybersecurity services, in 2003, they also have three grown children.

Wyant’s priorities include affordable housing, protecting local parks, government transparency, access to mental health services, protecting the watershed, and safe bike paths to minimize carbon impact and traffic.

Wyant is running against Republican incumbent Darryl Nelson.

Jan Wyant is the best choice in this race.

Jan Wyant is a Democrat running for commissioner on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 6th District. She moved to Traverse City in the 1990s and together with her husband they founded Wyant Technologies, which provides IT and cybersecurity services, in 2003, they also have three grown children.

Wyant’s priorities include affordable housing, protecting local parks, government transparency, access to mental health services, protecting the watershed, and safe bike paths to minimize carbon impact and traffic.

Wyant is running against Republican incumbent Darryl Nelson.

Jan Wyant is the best choice in this race.

Grand Traverse County, District 7 County Commission

T.J. Andrews is a Democrat incumbent running for her second term on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners for the 7th District. An attorney for more than two decades, she originally grew up in South Africa and then Texas. Andrews is now married and has two children. She is a member of the Michigan Association of Counties’ Environmental and Agriculture committees and also serves as the Board of Commissioners’ liaison to the County Pavilions DHHS Board.

Andrews’ priorities include bringing inclusivity, civility, accountability and transparency to county government. She also wants to protect what makes her district so great, including the environment and quality of life. Andrews will also work to improve road planning and management, support the local workforce with affordable housing and childcare, respond to climate change, and invest in community spaces for everyone.

Andrew has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: We the People - Michigan.

Andrew is running against Republican Kathleen Haueisen, a staunch Trump supporter who has shared conspiracy theories about election fraud.

T.J. Andrews is the best choice in this race.

T.J. Andrews is a Democrat incumbent running for her second term on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners for the 7th District. An attorney for more than two decades, she originally grew up in South Africa and then Texas. Andrews is now married and has two children. She is a member of the Michigan Association of Counties’ Environmental and Agriculture committees and also serves as the Board of Commissioners’ liaison to the County Pavilions DHHS Board.

Andrews’ priorities include bringing inclusivity, civility, accountability and transparency to county government. She also wants to protect what makes her district so great, including the environment and quality of life. Andrews will also work to improve road planning and management, support the local workforce with affordable housing and childcare, respond to climate change, and invest in community spaces for everyone.

Andrew has been endorsed by the following progressive partner organization: We the People - Michigan.

Andrew is running against Republican Kathleen Haueisen, a staunch Trump supporter who has shared conspiracy theories about election fraud.

T.J. Andrews is the best choice in this race.

Grand Traverse County, District 9 County Commission

Pamela Kaiser is a Democrat running for the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 9th District. She is a fourth-generation resident of the county, attended Traverse City public schools, and she has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kalamazoo College, as well as master’s degrees in American studies from Purdue University and education from Rivier College. She is a former teacher of English and French at Purdue University and adjunct instructor at Northwestern Michigan College.

One of Kaiser's highest priorities is common sense gun violence prevention laws. She lost her 24-year-old son to gun suicide hours after a local gun merchant defied state law without any legal penalty to sell him a semiautomatic rifle. This happened just a month after the Second Amendment sanctuary resolution was adopted by a majority of the GOP members of the board. She intends to overturn that policy.

Kaiser’s other priorities include government transparency, protecting our green environment and keeping our freshwater ecology clean and healthy, providing critically needed mental health care services in the county, access to affordable child care, access to affordable housing, and access to healthcare.

Kaiser is running against Republican incumbent Penny Morris.

Pamela Kaiser is the best choice in this race.

Pamela Kaiser is a Democrat running for the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for the 9th District. She is a fourth-generation resident of the county, attended Traverse City public schools, and she has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kalamazoo College, as well as master’s degrees in American studies from Purdue University and education from Rivier College. She is a former teacher of English and French at Purdue University and adjunct instructor at Northwestern Michigan College.

One of Kaiser's highest priorities is common sense gun violence prevention laws. She lost her 24-year-old son to gun suicide hours after a local gun merchant defied state law without any legal penalty to sell him a semiautomatic rifle. This happened just a month after the Second Amendment sanctuary resolution was adopted by a majority of the GOP members of the board. She intends to overturn that policy.

Kaiser’s other priorities include government transparency, protecting our green environment and keeping our freshwater ecology clean and healthy, providing critically needed mental health care services in the county, access to affordable child care, access to affordable housing, and access to healthcare.

Kaiser is running against Republican incumbent Penny Morris.

Pamela Kaiser is the best choice in this race.