Michigan

On the surface, Michigan may appear to be a reliably "blue state" - Democrats have won the last four presidential and last two gubernatorial elections. But one doesn't have to look very deep - just to the state legislature and local offices - to see "purple" Michigan.

Michigan's unemployment leads the nation; the state's population is shrinking and aging at an alarming rate; and the domestic auto industry is in shambles. As a result, the state budget has been decimated. The national economic turmoil has only made it worse for Michigan.

Despite legislative districts being drawn by a GOP dominated state government in 2001, Democrats managed to take majority in the state house, but not without compromising core progressive values. Republicans have controlled the state senate for more than a generation. In order to elect and sustain future leaders who will advance bold progressive policy change, the next few years are critical.

Term limits have created an environment where all the statewide offices, 30 of the 38 state senators and more than 35 of the 100 state house seats are open. Conservatives are in a dangerously close position to reclaim the majority in the state House. Because redistricting will occur next year, those elected this year will have political influence that stretches a decade.

Progressive Majority is working in Michigan to help support and build a farm team of progressive leaders committed to advancing progressive social and economic policy. Progressives have an opportunity to build long-term sustainable change in Michigan, but we need to work hard now to elect a new wave of progressive champions.

We are up and running in Michigan! Updates on our operations will be up soon, so keep checking back.

Run For Office
You can do better than those conservatives in office. Run for office today! 
 
Important Dates
Go to the Michigan Secretary of State website to find out important dates and filing deadlines. 
Harvey Santana

Michigan
State Representative - District 10
2010
Open Seat
Detroit
http://www.votesantana.com/

Harvey Santana is running for State Representative in District 10. This Detroit district has crowded primary for the Democratic nomination in August. Harvey is a Navy veteran who stands out as a progressive leader. He completed the Michigan Political Leaders Program, Center for Progressive Leadership's Local Candidacy Training. Professionally, he is an urban planner and brings a unique perspective as to how to redevelop and revitalize Detroit, and urban areas across the state. Once elected, Harvey will focus on correction reform, job creation, and initiatives that help increase population in our core urban centers. At 37, Harvey will be among the youngest members in the legislature. When elected, Harvey will also be the only Puerto Rican serving in the state house and would increase the number of Latinos in the legislature.
Dian Slavens

Michigan
State Representative - District 21
2010
Incumbent
Wayne County

Dian Slavens is running for reelection for State Representative in District 21 in Wayne County. With Dian as a candidate in 2008, Democrats surprisingly picked up this open seat. During her first term, she has been a strong progressive member of the Democratic Caucus in the Michigan House of Representatives. Before getting elected, Dian worked as a respiratory therapist for more than 20 years in Southeast Michigan hospitals; first at William Beaumont Hospital and later at Henry Ford Hospital. Her experience gave her a firsthand look at how families are hurt when they don't have access to affordable health care. Drawing on her many years as a respiratory therapist, where she witnessed the devastating and often fatal effects of secondhand smoke, Dian was also instrumental in banning smoking in most indoor places in Michigan, including bars and restaurants. Dian also is fighting for aggressive job creation strategies that take advantage of Michigan's manufacturing expertise and highly skilled workforce to help make the state a leader in advanced battery technology.
Lisa Brown

Michigan
State Representative - District 43
2010
Incumbent
Oakland County

Lisa Brown is running for re-election for State Representative in District 43. Lisa is the first Democrat to ever represent this area which has a less than 50% DPI. Located in Oakland County, a Progressive Majority targeted county, Lisa's seat is a strategic pathway to increasing seats in the state senate down the line. Her re-election is crucial to increasing the progressivity of the state house. As a state legislator, Lisa has been a tireless advocate for public education, protecting a woman's right to choose, and prompting stem cell research.
Hoon-Yung Hopgood

Michigan
State Senate - District 8
2010
Challenger
Wayne County

In Wayne County, MI, Hoon-Yung Hopgood is running for the Michigan State Senate in District 8. Hoon-Yung, a former state representative, will be the only Korean American in the state legislature and the first to serve in the state senate. With at least 30 of the 38 members of the senate being new next year, Hoon-Yung will be a progressive leader with the experience to take on a leadership role and be a champion for the community. At 35, Hoon-Yung is a pipeline leader who not only leads with his values, but is committed to helping elect other progressives to office.
Jim Townsend

Michigan
State House - District 26
2010
Open Seat
Oakland County

Jim is a first time candidate for state representative in District 26 in Oakland County. This seat is open due to term limits. This legislative seat has a history of being fiercely competitive when there is no incumbent running. Having prevailed in a string progressive Democratic Primarily, Jim goes into November prepared to face off against a strong conservative. Jim embodies the type of progressive leadership Lansing needs. Jim is currently the Executive Director of the Tourism Economic Development Council leading economic development in Metro Detroit. Prior to his current role, he created the Michigan Suburban Alliance non-profit organization devoted to revitalizing and reinventing Detroit's surrounding communities. This seat is critical to Democrats controlling the state house next year.