Meet Matt Koleszar

in his own words

I love this community. I’m a lifelong Michigander raised in nearby Walled Lake by my single mom who balanced raising me with full-time work as an operating room nurse. I live in Plymouth Township with my wife, Kim, and our rescue dog and cats. I was a public school teacher for 12 years prior to becoming a public servant in 2018.

I’m seeking reelection for my third term because we need real action to help address the hardship, loss, and injustice felt throughout our neighborhoods.

I’m currently serving my second term. I’m the minority whip and the minority vice chair of the House elections and ethics committee. As a former teacher, I’m proud to serve on the House education committee.

I got my undergraduate degree at Saginaw Valley State, then went on to a master's at Eastern Michigan University. Before I entered public service, I was a teacher and coach at Airport Community School District and president of the Airport Education Association in Carleton where I taught civics and AP government.

As a public servant, I’m deeply committed to securing adequate funding for Michigan’s schools, fixing our roads, preserving our state’s clean water supply, and increasing access to quality healthcare here in Michigan.

Matt's Republican opponent is Northville resident

Cathryn Neracher 

Meet Laurie Pohutsky

in her own words

I grew up in Redford, Michigan. I learned about hard work and public service from my parents. My mother is a nurse and was the president of her own healthcare company. My father was a Teamster and later worked for the city of Dearborn Heights in several positions. It was from him that I gained respect for the responsibility held by elected officials. I attended St. Robert Bellarmine in Redford and graduated from Divine Child High School in Dearborn in 2006. My time in both schools instilled the importance of community service and volunteering, both of which I still value.

I attended Michigan State University in East Lansing. While I was there, I volunteered at the Listening Ear Crisis Center and began attending civic engagement events. I learned that the problems of one person can often be indicative of the problems of many. I saw firsthand how the actions of lawmakers and other elected officials affected individuals. In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in microbiology and began working in a local laboratory. 

In 2013, I returned home to the Metro-Detroit area. Like many college graduates, I struggled to find a job in my field. I found myself working office and restaurant jobs. I shared in the frustrations of others who had serious concerns about the economy, student debt and obtaining a living wage. Many of my coworkers were fellow graduates who were also struggling to make ends meet. This humbling experience taught me that these issues are not just stories on the news, but are rather the stories of those in our own community.

I reside in Livonia with my rescue pets. I remain dedicated to political activism and creating positive change for all residents in my community. I am a member of the Livonia Democratic Club and regularly attend grassroots events. I am currently serving my second term in the Michigan House of Representatives, where I serve on the Health Policy Committee and as Minority Vice Chair of the Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors. I also serve as the Chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus.

Laurie's Republican opponent is Livonia resident

Penny Crider

Meet Stephanie Young

State Rep. Stephanie A. Young is in her first term as state representative of Michigan’s 8th House District.

After graduating from Cass Technical High School and Michigan State University’s James Madison College, Rep. Young’s first professional job was as a legislative aide to a former State Representative. Through her work with several former state representatives, numerous mayoral administrations, and community advocacy organizations, including the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Young has put her leadership and relationship-building skills to use to improve the lives of her community members at every step.

Prior to her work with the Legislature, Rep. Young served as the first Executive Director of Detroit’s Community Education Commission, where she worked diligently to help improve educational outcomes for Detroit students by eliminating barriers to success and improving access to transportation, quality afterschool programs, and information for parents. Young brings her incredible passion for the residents of Detroit, demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities, and a fresh perspective to her role at the Capitol.

Rep. Young is the proud mother of two sons, both graduates of the legendary Cass Technical High School. During the pandemic, her oldest received his Bachelor’s in Animation from the University of St. Francis and her youngest is pursuing a finance degree at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. She is also the proud Mom-owner of her 4-legged adopted ‘son’ who has been part of her family for more than 10 years.

Young is also a licensed and ordained minister in the Christian faith and is affectionately known as Elder Steph. She is on the ministerial staff at her home church, Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church.