Current Candidate Information

Biographical Information

Born: May 1, 1968 in Bowling Green, OH
Marital Status: Married
Spouse/Partner: Kate Skaggs
Children: Elaine Skaggs, Julia Skaggs, Livi DeVries, Elsie DeVries, Philo DeVries
Education: University of Michigan, 1986-1990, Russian and East European Studies, B.A.; University of Michigan, 1990-1993, History, M.A.
Employment/Military Record: Legislative Director, State of Michigan (Representatives Dillon and LaGrand); West Michigan Director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters; Professor, Aquinas College.
Community Activities: Board Member: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Alliance for Investment; East Grand Rapids Waves Aquatics; East Grand Rapids High School Athletic Boosters; Kent County Families for Education; Friends of Our Community College; Friends of Transit, East United.
Religion: Episcopalian

Elections and Political Participation

Michigan House 80th District 2024
General Vote: 29,560 of 51,732 (57%)
Primary Vote: 9,588 of 9,588 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements: AFL-CIO Michigan; County Road Association of Michigan Roads+ PAC; Michigan Laborers' District Council; Michigan League of Conservation Voters (general); Michigan Realtors (primary); Michigan Retailers Association (general); Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan (general)

Michigan House 80th District 2022
General Vote: 23,764 of 42,206 (56%)
Primary Vote: 5,202 of 9,829 (52%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements: AFL-CIO Michigan; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25; American Federation of Teachers Michigan; Michigan Association for Justice; Michigan Education Association PAC (primary); Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights; Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan; Voters Not Politicians (primary)

Political Activities: Chair, Kent County Democratic Party (2008-2010; Campaign Manager, David LaGrand for State Senate (2010) and Winnie Brinks for State House (2012)