Biographical Information
Born: February 17, 1968 in Mount Vernon, Washington
Marital Status: Married
Spouse/Partner: Steve
Children: Olivia, Annalise, Emma
Education: Bachelor's degree in Spanish, Calvin College
Employment/Military Record: Executive director, One Way House, a community-based corrections agency; educator at Grand Rapids Christian Schools and Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, caseworker at The Source
Community Activities: I have volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity in the Grand Rapids area. I'm also active in my church.
Religion: Christian
Governmental Leadership (Elected or Appointed)
Senate (1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026)
Senate Majority Leader (1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026)
Senate (1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022)
House (1/1/2013 - 12/31/2018)
Elections and Political Participation
Michigan Senate 29th District 2022
General Vote:
59,407 of 98,522 (60%)
Primary Vote:
22,147 of 22,147 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
AFL-CIO Michigan;
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25;
American Federation of Teachers Michigan;
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce PAC;
Michigan Association for Justice;
Michigan Education Association PAC;
Michigan League of Conservation Voters (primary);
Michigan Nurses Association (primary);
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights;
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
Michigan Senate 29th District 2018
General Vote:
70,715 of 124,225 (56%)
Primary Vote:
32,882 of 32,882 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, AFSCME Council 25, UAW, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Association for Justice, Sierra Club, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, Michigan League of Conservation Voters (general election), Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan (general election)
Michigan House 76th District 2016
General Vote:
27,046 of 47,680 (56%)
Primary Vote:
4,390 of 4,390 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan; MI Women Win, AFSCME, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce PAC, Michigan AFL-CIO, the County Road Association of Michigan RUSH-PAC, United Auto Workers, Michigan Agri-Business Association AGRI-BIZ PAC, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, MiBank PAC
Michigan House 76th District 2014
General Vote:
15,804 of 30,315 (52%)
Primary Vote:
3,918 of 3,918 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements:
Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Townships Association, Sierra Club of Michigan, Michigan Nurses Association, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, AFSCME Council 25, Michigan Bankers Association PAC
Michigan House 76th District 2012
General Vote:
23,530 of 50,680 (46%)
Primary Vote:
2,652 of 2,652 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Political Activities: Chair, East Grand Rapids Parent-Teacher-Student Association's Legislative Committee, 2005-2010