Endorsing Leaders for Michigan House & Senate
Working people deserve leaders who will stand up to corporate power, invest in our communities, and fight for a government that works for everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected.
That’s why Our Revolution is proud to endorse these four progressive champions for the Michigan Legislature: Abbas Alawieh for State Senate (District 2), Joanna Whaley for State House (District 2), Chris Gilmer-Hill for State House (District 8), and Jen Strebs for State House (District 41).
Together, these candidates represent a new generation of people-powered leadership committed to making Michigan more affordable, strengthening public education, and uplifting working families.
Abbas Alawieh for State Senate (District 2)
Abbas Alawieh is a former congressional chief of staff, community leader, and grassroots organizer running to represent the people of Dearborn and Detroit in the Michigan Senate. His campaign is rooted in the belief that elected officials should be “unbought and unafraid” to take on special interests and fight for every neighborhood they serve.
Abbas pledges to fight for investments in children, students, workers, elders, and local communities while building a government that serves everyday people instead of powerful interests. His campaign is powered by grassroots volunteers and small-dollar supporters working together to build “something bigger than ourselves.”
Joanna Whaley for State House (District 2)
Joanna Whaley is a lifelong Southeast Michigan resident, parent, and clinical spiritual care provider who has spent her career supporting families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Now she’s running to make sure Lansing works for working people.
Her campaign focuses on the dignity of work, strengthening public schools, lowering utility costs, protecting consumers, relieving medical debt, defending workers’ right to negotiate fair wages, and ensuring every Michigander has the opportunity to thrive. Joanna is also committed to protecting civil liberties, equal opportunity, and the freedom of every resident to live safely and with dignity.
Chris Gilmer-Hill for State House (District 8)
Chris Gilmer-Hill is a lifelong Detroiter, democratic socialist, environmental justice advocate, and proud union member running to make life more affordable for Michigan families.
His campaign calls for real investments in public education, stronger funding for local communities, and getting corporate money out of Michigan politics. Chris has pledged never to accept money from corporate or conservative PACs and is committed to remaining deeply rooted in the communities he represents by showing up, listening, and working alongside local organizations year-round.
Jen Strebs for State House (District 41)
Jen Strebs is the Chair of the Kalamazoo County Commission running to bring proven progressive leadership to Lansing. Her campaign is focused on lowering costs for working families by expanding affordable housing, protecting reproductive freedom, investing in public education, strengthening workers’ rights, and making healthcare more affordable. Jen has also pledged not to accept corporate PAC money, reflecting her commitment to people-powered leadership and accountable government.
Building Progressive Power in Michigan
Michigan has become one of the most important battlegrounds for the progressive movement. Electing leaders who reject corporate influence and fight for working people is how we continue building power from the bottom up.
Abbas Alawieh, Joanna Whaley, Chris Gilmer-Hill, and Jen Strebs are running campaigns grounded in community, accountability, and public service. They understand that government should invest in people, strengthen neighborhoods, and give every family the opportunity to thrive.
Election Day for this Democratic Primary is August 4!
When we organize, we win.
Our Revolution