LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The National Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) has announced a half-a-million dollar donation to Michigan Democrats, endorsing 13 candidates running for the state House of Representatives.
This November, control of Michigan’s House of Representatives will be up for grabs. Democrats currently hold control by just one seat, and the DLCC has given $500,000 to Michigan candidates to keep it that way.
Alongside the donation, the DLCC has announced13 michigan spotlight candidates running campaigns in key districts the party will need to keep its majority in the house – districts like the 109th.
Speaker of the House Joe Tate said the funds will help hire staff to knock on doors, support voter contact, and build stronger digital operations.
“Having this infusion of resources is incredibly helpful as we go into the next roughly 60 days,” Tate said. “You look at representative Jen Hill and her body of work. Everything in terms of investments that she’s brought back to the district, with all of the legislation that she’s been able to pass.”
The 109 incumbent Jenn Hill, will face republican Karl Bohnak this fall. Despite Marquette staying historically blue, Bohnak has gained significant support, even winning the endorsement of the other democratic nominees in the district. Still, Hill said that on the ground she’s heard from more Michiganders who say they want to keep michigan in the direction it’s going.
“The one-vote majority that we have reflected where we were in 2022 and I do feel quite a sea change,” Hill said. “People see this election as really a critical decision point that there are 2 clear choices.”
Hill said the DLCC’s focus on Michigan also indicates the role the state will play nationally come this November. The $50,000 investment builds on $1.2 million already delivered to the state this cycle.
DLCC Board Member and Michigan Speaker of the House Joe Tate issued the following statement:
“The passionate, dedicated Democratic candidates running for the Michigan House embody the vision, values, and commitment to freedom that will continue to move Michigan forward. As Speaker, I know firsthand that our incredible candidates are already on the doors with voters talking about the work of the Democratic trifecta that has protected reproductive freedom, expanded health care access, and shielded Michiganders from gun violence. I’m confident these are the leaders who are ready to serve with integrity and will be strong voices for opportunity in Lansing. The stakes are high, but we have the best candidates possible to ensure Democrats maintain our trifecta in Michigan.”
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Defending the Democratic trifecta in Michigan is a priority for the DLCC to protect the incredible progress made under Democratic majorities. Michigan Democrats in the statehouse passed common sense gun safety legislation, improved access to Medicaid, and protected fundamental reproductive freedoms, demonstrating the transformative impact of Democratic power in the states. Preserving this trifecta could hinge on just a single seat in the state House, which will determine the future of fundamental freedoms for Michiganders.
“The DLCC is proud to uplift these thirteen Spotlight candidates who represent the best opportunities to hold and flip seats to protect Democratic power. By supporting these candidates, the DLCC is working to ensure that Michigan remains a leader in upholding fundamental freedoms and democracy.”
The Spotlight candidates are:
- Rep. Matt Koleszar (HD-22) is a former teacher running for reelection to the Michigan House. Matt’s time in office has been spent advocating for policies like free breakfast and lunch for K-12 public school students, a tax holiday for back-to-school shopping, and incentives to retain talented teachers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Matt started a downtown business coalition to support small businesses in his community and give them a direct link to elevate their concerns to the Governor and state lawmakers.
- Rep. Jaime Churches (HD-27) is an elementary school teacher running for reelection to the Michigan House in a race that could decide control of the chamber. Jaime is honored to represent the community where she grew up, and if she wins reelection, she will continue to prioritize Michigan’s working families. During her time in the State House, Jaime has helped pass common-sense gun safety legislation, bolstered workers’ rights, funded vital infrastructure projects, and expanded tax credits for families and seniors.
- Janise O’Neil Robinson (HD-28) is a teacher and disability advocate running for the Michigan House with a chance to flip her district blue. Janise has spent nearly 30 years teaching special education in Michigan’s public school system, where she has been a fierce advocate for students, teachers, and their families. If elected, Janise will fight to make a world-class education available to all. She is also committed to advancing the rights of workers, defending the environment, investing in critical improvements to state infrastructure, and protecting reproductive freedoms.
- Rep. Reggie Miller (HD-31) serves District 31 in the Michigan House and is running for reelection this November. Reggie was raised by a single mother on a shoestring budget, and today, she’s committed to giving Michigan working families the support they need to thrive. As a member of the House, Reggie has stood up for workers’ rights, expanded tax credits for families and veterans, and helped protect vulnerable youth by banning conversion therapy and child marriage.
- Rep. Mai Xiong (HD-13) came to the U.S. as a Hmong refugee whose family fled Laos after the Vietnam War. Now she’s running for reelection to the Michigan House, vying for the seat she won earlier this year in a landslide special election. Mai is excited to continue throwing her efforts behind the wave of progress being made in the Great Lake State on issues including workers’ rights, public safety, affordable health care, and protecting reproductive freedom.
- Rep. Joey Andrews (HD-38) is a legal professional and a fourth-generation small business owner. He’s running for reelection to the Michigan House. After finishing law school, Joey returned home to Southwestern Michigan to help his parents guide the family business through the Great Recession and saw how many of his friends and neighbors were struggling too. This experience solidified his commitment to Michigan working families, paving the way for him to champion legislation on issues including labor rights, eliminating income-based housing discrimination, government accountability & transparency, environmental conservation, and protecting Michigan youth by banning child marriages.
- Rep. Jim Haadsma (HD-44) is a legal professional running for reelection to the Michigan House. Throughout his career, Jim has focused on labor relations and disability justice and has spent nearly four decades fighting to ensure working families are treated fairly. He brings this same mindset to the legislature, where he leads the way on legislation to expand discrimination protections to include LGBTQ+ Michiganders, protect workers, and preserve natural resources.
- Daniel Mahoney (HD-46) is a non-profit leader running for the Michigan House. Daniel was elected Jackson, Michigan’s first African-American mayor in 2021 with a vision for a safe community, robust local economy, and a welcoming attitude towards all. Now, he’s ready to expand that vision to all Michiganders by flipping his district and providing progressive, empathetic, and innovative representation for his constituents.
- Shadia Martini (HD-54) is a small business owner and entrepreneur running to flip a seat in the Michigan House. Shadia immigrated to the United States from Syria in 1992, fleeing authoritarian violence. She understands the importance of a robust democratic process and will fight any attempts to erode voting rights and public trust in fair elections. With 20+ years of firsthand experience as a business owner, she will be an advocate for economic growth and policies that benefit working families.
- Rep. Nate Shannon (HD-58) is a former teacher running for reelection to the Michigan House. Nate first decided to run for office to ensure all Michiganders have access to high-quality public schools, and since then, he’s helped pass key legislation to achieve that goal. Improving schools is still a top priority for Nate, along with funding first responders, expanding access to health care, revitalizing infrastructure, and protecting the environment.
- Rep. Denise Mentzer (HD-61) is a Michigan native and former City Commissioner running for reelection to the Michigan House. During her ten years on the Mount Clemens City Commission, Denise gained valuable public service experience. This experience has made her a vital member of the State House’s Democratic majority, where she helped repeal Michigan’s antiquated abortion ban.
- Rep. Betsy Coffia (HD-103) is a former social worker running for reelection to the Michigan House. As a brain tumor survivor, Betsy is acutely aware that many working families are just one emergency situation away from financial ruin. A desire to bring down the cost of health care and build an economy that works for all Michiganders is part of what drove her to flip her rural district blue in 2022, and it continues to motivate her work in the state legislature.
- Rep. Jenn Hill (HD-109) first ran for public office to be a strong voice in Lansing for the Upper Peninsula, and plans to continue fighting to preserve the environment, create economic opportunity, and ensure rural communities have access to high-quality schools and health care. Jenn’s background in environmental planning & policy has helped advance initiatives to promote renewable energy and anti-pollution efforts. If re-elected, she will continue to protect workers’ rights and invest in public schools.