Biographical Information
Born: September 20, 1975 in Flint
Marital Status: Married
Spouse/Partner: Andrea
Children: Jacob, Age 2
Education: Master's degree in Public Administration-Educational Administration, University of Michigan-Flint, B.A. of Political Economics, Michigan State University, along with a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Social Studies
Employment/Military Record: Employment and Education Coordinator, Priority Children, 2008-2010; Teacher, Flint Community Schools, 2005-2008
Community Activities: Greater Flint Health Coalition, Board Chair; College Cultural Neighborhood Association; St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center; Flint Development Center Fresh Start Initiative; Flint Genesee County Medical Society and Genesee Health System
Religion: Christian
Governmental Leadership (Elected or Appointed)
Senate (1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022)
Senate Minority Leader (1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022)
Senate (1/1/2015 - 12/31/2018)
Senate Minority Leader (1/1/2015 - 12/31/2018)
Senate (5/10/2013 - 12/31/2014)
House (1/1/2011 - 5/10/2013)
Other Offices: Michigan State Senate, 2013-Current; Michigan State House, 2010-2013; Flint City Council, 2005-2009
Elections and Political Participation
Michigan Senate 27th District 2018
General Vote:
59,108 of 83,050 (71%)
Primary Vote:
26,137 of 26,137 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, AFSCME Counciol 25, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan AFL-CIO, County Road Association of Michigan, Michigan Association for Justice, Small Business Association of Michigan, Detroit Regional Chamber PAC, Michigan Realtors, Sierra Club, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan (general election)
Michigan Senate 27th District 2014
General Vote:
51,291 of 66,353 (77%)
Primary Vote:
17,007 of 17,007 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, United Auto Workers, Michigan Townships Association, Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPAC, Genesee/Lapeer/Shiawassee Building Trades Council, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, AFL-CIO, Small Business Association of Michigan Small BIZ PAC, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, AFSCME Council 25, Michigan Bankers Association PAC, Michigan Realtors PAC, Michigan Education Association recommendation, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, County Road Association of Michigan RUSH-PAC, MTA-PAC, MiBankPAC
Michigan Senate 27th District Special Election (May 7, 2013)
General Vote:
8,728 of 11,591 (75%)
Primary Vote:
8,472 of 16,497 (51%)
Michigan House 49th District 2012
General Vote:
28,275 of 37,949 (74%)
Primary Vote:
7,395 of 7,395 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Michigan House 49th District 2010
General Vote:
15,647 of 23,257 (67%)
Primary Vote:
4,396 of 6,856 (64%)
Michigan House 49th District 2004
Primary Vote:
4,666 of 11,890 (39%)
Political Activities: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), Board Member State Innovation Exchange (SIX), Organizing Team Member and Member of Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council Democratic Party Precinct and State Delegate MEA-United Teachers of Flint, Former PAC Co-Chair