WASHINGTON — Fresh off of Michigan’s primaries, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee unveiled its first round of Michigan Spotlight candidates. After flipping five seats in the state House in 2018, Democrats are just four seats away from regaining control of the chamber. Today’s slate of 11 strong candidates and incumbents are critical races that will help flip the House from red to blue this November.
“After making incredible progress in 2018, Democrats are just four seats away from flipping Michigan’s House blue in November,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post. “Our stellar Spotlight candidates are leaders in their field and fierce advocates for every Michigander, and we’re excited to work with them to bring Democrats into the majority.”
Today’s slate of Spotlight candidates includes candidates with a range of experience and includes health experts, business owners, attorneys, organizers, and other community leaders:
- Representative Laurie Pohutsky (HD-19), a first-term representative who is fighting against the student debt crisis and unlivable wages that are hindering her community.
- Kelly Breen (HD-38), an attorney, city councilmember, and lifelong Michigander who is jumping back into the race to finish the job after coming within a few hundred votes of flipping this district in 2018.
- Julia Pulver (HD-39), a leader in the field of health care, patient advocacy, and public health for over a decade who is running to bring her health care expertise to the state capitol.
- Representative Padma Kuppa (HD-41), an experienced engineer and project manager in the automotive, finance, and IT industries who is the first Indian immigrant and Hindu in the Michigan state legislature.
- Barb Anness (HD-45) a trustee and secretary for the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education who is laser-focused on achieving the best outcome for every kid across the community.
- Christine Morse (HD-61), a former attorney and breast cancer survivor who is speaking out for what’s right after watching the current Republican-led legislature defund public education and eliminate coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Representative Jim Haadsma (HD-62), a labor relations and workers’ compensation lawyer with over 30 years of experience who is running for re-election because hardworking families deserve a relentless fighter in the state House.
- Representative Angela Witwer (HD-71), a successful small business owner and community leader who flipped this district blue in 2018 and is determined to give back to her community in any way possible.
- Chokwe Pitchford (HD-79), a first-generation college student and community organizer who is committed to listening and representing all working-class people across the community — a group that’s long been forgotten by Republicans in office.
- Sarah Schulz (HD-98), a proud Michigander who has dedicated her career to working for mission-driven organizations and is determined to get the state House working for the people again.
- Dan O’Neil (HD-104), an attorney and partner at one of northern Michigan’s most respected law firms who fights every day to protect the interests of Michigan families.
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