Biography
A Senator and Representative from Michigan; born in Gladwin, Mich., April 29, 1950; graduated, Clare High School; B.A., Michigan State University, East Lansing 1972; M.S.W. magna cum laude, Michigan State University, 1975; social worker; leadership training consultant; Ingham County commissioner 1975-1978; member, State house of representatives 1979-1990; member, State senate 1991-1994; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fifth and One Hundred Sixth Congresses (January 3, 1997-January 3, 2001); was not a candidate for reelection to the House of Representatives, but was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 2000; reelected in 2006, 2012, and again in 2018, and served from January 3, 2001, to January 3, 2025; Democratic Conference secretary (2005-2007); vice-chair, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (2011-2017); chair, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (2017-2025); chair, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (One Hundred Twelfth, One Hundred Thirteenth, One Hundred Seventeenth, and One Hundred Eighteenth Congresses); was not a candidate for reelection to the Senate in 2024.
Courtesy of Biographical Directory of the United States Congress