LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – With campaign season already underway for the 2026 midterm elections, Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks has been appointed to the board of directors for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), a national group focused on electing Democrats to state legislatures across the country.
Brinks, who represents the Grand Rapids area and is the first woman elected to serve as majority leader in Michigan’s Senate, said the new role will help strengthen the Democratic Party’s presence both nationally and at home.
“My role at DLCC will really strengthen my ability to do the job I have here,” Brinks said. “Job number one for me is maintaining and enduring Democratic majority in the state Senate here in Michigan.”
The DLCC made the announcement Monday, citing Michigan as a key state with a slate of high-stakes races on the horizon. In 2026, Michigan’s executive offices, House, and Senate will all be on the ballot.
Brinks said she plans to bring Michigan’s values to the national conversation, including support for public education, healthcare access, and protecting fundamental rights.
“It’s incredibly important that people have a voice and that we are sticking up for things like fundamental rights for education, funding for healthcare, and things like Medicaid that are really under threat right now,” she said.
The senator, who has served in the Legislature since 2013, said she’s already knocking on doors in her district and encouraging constituents to engage with the democratic process.
“I encourage people to get to know their politicians and whoever’s asking them for a vote,” Brinks said. “I think that if you start talking with the Democrats who are running, you’ll be impressed and you’ll like what you hear.”
As campaigns begin to heat up, Brinks said Democrats are prepared to counter what she calls dysfunction in Washington by focusing on people-centered policy at the state level.
You can watch the full interview below:
