Biographical Information

Born: October 2, 1961 in Howell
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Christine
Children: 3 stepchildren / 5 grandchildren
Education: Master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University; master's degree in political science and PhD candidate in political science/urban studies at Michigan State University; bachelor's degree in sociology and Spanish from Albion College
Employment/Military Record: Former urban planner for Calhoun County (1984 - 1987), executive director of Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan (1987 - 1992), prevention coordination for Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council (1992 - 1996); government relations, Blue-Green Alliance (2011-present)
Community Activities: Member of Chamber of Commerce, Food Bank of South Central Michigan, Lifespan board of directors, Urban League of Battle Creek

Elections and Political Participation

Governor 2014
General Vote: 1,479,057 of 3,156,481 (46%)
Primary Vote: 513,263 of 513,263 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports
Endorsements: AFSCME Council 25, Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, United Auto Workers, NARAL, Michigan AFL-CIO, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Michigan Joint Council, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Michigan Education Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 876 and 951, Michigan Nurses Association, Service Employees International Union, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, Michigan Education Association PAC recommendation, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan

U.S. House 7th District 2010
General Vote: 103,650 of 228,363 (45%)
Primary Vote: 24,005 of 24,005 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports

U.S. House 7th District 2008
General Vote: 157,189 of 322,157 (48%)
Primary Vote: 17,270 of 26,304 (65%)
Campaign Finance Reports

Michigan Senate 19th District 2006
General Vote: 50,602 of 82,681 (61%)
Primary Vote: 8,857 of 8,857 (100%)
Campaign Finance Reports

Michigan Senate 19th District 2002
General Vote: 39,673 of 71,954 (55%)
Primary Vote: 13,782 of 13,782 (100%)