Dems name caucus chair and whip

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 19, 2024 — The Michigan House Democratic Caucus elected new caucus leadership today, as it prepares for the upcoming 103rd Legislature. State Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) will serve as caucus chair and state Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) was elected whip.

“We are moving forward and looking to a fresh start,” said Minority Leader-elect Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). “Next term is going to look and function differently. This started with electing our leadership positions instead of appointing them. As leader-elect, I am fostering a culture of collaboration. This is a new chapter for us, and I have a team that is ready to stand united in the 103rd Legislature. I congratulate state Reps. Young and Conlin — I can’t wait to work alongside them in our new roles.” 

Traditionally, caucus chairs are responsible for scheduling caucus meetings and leading those meetings. In January, Young will be serving her third term and was also recently named the Detroit Caucus chair.

“I am blessed and humbled by my election by my colleagues,” Young said. “Hope — that is what I feel as we look to new light in the term ahead. It will be a battle, it really will — but I’m ready to continue to work for the people of Michigan. They deserve the best, and as chair of the caucus I will show up every day because love is the work!”

Conlin will be serving her second term as she assumes her new position as Democratic whip. The whip position assists party leadership in its caucus and session functions. 

“I am ecstatic to take on this role,” Conlin said. “It is an honor to serve in this important position — whether it is counting votes, providing accountability or helping to promote unity in the caucus — I will be there taking this job very seriously.”