A little about me

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of community service and working together. Then, when I was in my 20s, my employer cut our health insurance. It's a common story - workers having t o deal with cuts to benefits. It was unfair, but we all came together and I helped lead my union's successful strike to restore our coverage. Weeks later, I experienced a life-threatening illness, was hospitalized for two months, and underwent a critical intestinal surgery. I still live with the physical effects of my surgery, but I survived and escaped bankruptcy thanks to my union-won healthcare insurance. I learned that when we work together and fight back against the powerful, we can improve our lives. We all do better when we all do better. That's why I decided to spend the rest of my life serving our community.

I’ve been your State Representative since 2022, where I’ve:

• Made record investments in schools

• Raised the minimum wage

• Protected reproductive freedom

• Passed gun safety laws

• Expanded clean energy

• Defended collective bargaining

• Banned discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community statewide

• Created a new paid sick time program for workers

• Built more affordable housing

• Made college more affordable with new scholarships and free community college

• Cut taxes on working families and seniors

As a Kent County Commissioner (2017-2022), I:

• Led the effort to pass the Ready By Five early childhood development initiative

• Defended public health experts when they were attacked

• Supported marginalized communities and local small businesses during the pandemic

• Held polluters accountable for PFAS pollution

• Established the new county DEI office

• Expanded treatment courts to focus on therapy instead of incarceration,

• Founded an affordable housing fund

• Ended the Sheriff’s contract with ICE

I was elected to the East Grand Rapids City Commission (2012-2016) where I led the successful efforts to outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and fix our streets and sidewalks. 

No matter where I’m serving, I’m always focused on results that help people. Before I was elected, I got my start in community life in Grand Rapids as my daughters went off to kindergarten. I began working to improve crosswalks and slow traffic so neighborhood kids could walk to school and be safe. I led the Kent County Democratic Party as we helped elect President Barack Obama in 2008. Then, I went on to run campaigns to improve our Rapid transit, repair our schools and build a better Community College. Later, I worked as an environmental activist for the League of Conservation Voters and served as the Legislative Director for State Representatives Brandon Dillon and David LaGrand.

Service is a family effort and I’m deeply appreciative of mine. My wife Kate and I have a blended family along with kids Lainey (26), Julia (23), Livi (13), Elsie (11), and Philo (8).​​​

​