LANSING, Mich., Jan. 20, 2021 — Michigan House Democrats elected state Reps. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) as Whip and Caucus Chair yesterday, respectively, during a recent caucus gathering. Koleszar served as Assistant Leader last term and is currently serving his second term representing Michigan’s 20th House District. Anthony is resuming her role as Caucus Chair which she held last term and is serving her second full term representing Michigan’s 68th House District.
“Rep. Koleszar is an experienced leader in the House Democratic Caucus, and as its elected Whip, has the strength of relationships to ensure we focus on supporting policies that move Michigan through this pandemic,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Twp). “Rep. Anthony’s return as House Democratic Caucus Chair is a clear statement on her strong leadership and her ability to unify our caucus as Michigan faces unprecedented challenges.”
Koleszar spent over 12 years as a public school teacher before running for office in 2018, defeating a Republican incumbent. During his first term, he quickly became a leading voice advocating for adequate education funding and stricter environmental regulations, including working with Attorney General Dana Nessel to hold a landfill neighboring Northville accountable for repeated pollution violations.
“I am honored to have been chosen by my Democratic colleagues to fulfill this role and I’m excited to take on this leadership opportunity,” said Koleszar. “Working together to put Michiganders first is and always has been my top priority and I’m looking forward to continuing that work as the House Democratic Whip.”
Once taking office, Anthony became the first African American woman to represent Michigan’s capital city in the state House, bringing her extensive experience expanding access to higher education and service as an Ingham County Commissioner to her work with the Legislature. Throughout her first full term, Rep. Anthony emerged as a leading voice and fearless leader for Lansing and Michiganders alike, in addition to gaining national attention for her strong stance against allowing guns in the Michigan Capitol. She has quickly developed a reputation for being an effective, pragmatic legislator, passing multiple bills into law in her first term with wide bipartisan and stakeholder support.
“After a year unlike any other, my fellow House Democrats and I are looking forward to continuing our important work on behalf of hardworking Michiganders everywhere,” said Anthony. “I’m humbled to have been elected to serve as Caucus Chair for another term. I look forward to buckling down to pass legislation that uplifts working families and provides real economic relief for our state.”
Koleszar and Anthony will join Leader Lasinski and Floor Leader Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) on the House Democratic leadership team for the 101st Michigan Legislature.
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