Democratic Caucus builds people up by elevating voices, empowering communities
Members of the House Democratic Caucus stand together on the House floor on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at the Capitol building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 30, 2025 — Michigan House Democrats are proud to reflect and represent the diversity of Michigan’s communities in the state Legislature. Democratic caucus members come from a wide range of racial, ethnic, religious, socio-economic, sexual orientation backgrounds, gender identities, trades and professions. House Democrats celebrate the diversity of their own members and the entire state — knowing it is a point of both strength and unity.
“We are a caucus made up of individuals from diverse walks of life, and that diversity allows us to better reflect and understand our constituents and, in turn, better serve the people of our state,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “From St. Joseph to Flint to Detroit, from teachers to entrepreneurs to first-generation immigrants, from African Americans to Hmong Americans, our members bring lived experiences that Michiganders share and relate to.”
Michigan’s population is 72% white, 15% Black, 4% Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and 50% female. House Democrats mirror this diversity with members who are 63% white, 29% Black, 4% AAPI and 54% women.
Age representation highlights another gap: 48% of House Democrats are 18-44, aligning with 35% of Michiganders in this age group, compared to just 26% of House Republicans.
“Our diversity isn’t just about demographics — it’s about the breadth of lived experiences and perspectives we bring to the table as lawmakers who serve folks who are also incredibly diverse in identities and ideologies,” said state Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing). “Whether it’s addressing gender inequities, fighting for workers’ rights or advancing health care access, we are uniquely positioned to tackle Michigan’s most pressing issues with empathy and expertise. That’s what true representation looks like.”
House Democrats are committed to celebrating the strength of Michigan’s diversity and mobilizing it to drive forward meaningful, inclusive policies that build people up. Meanwhile, many Republican counterparts at both the state and federal levels are focused on fear-mongering, fueling division and tearing people down, rather than fostering unity.
“Diversity in the Legislature means diversity in ideas, perspectives and policy solutions. You should be able to look at your elected official and see someone who will value and respect your interests, your culture and simply who you are as a person — no matter where you worship, what your tax bracket is, what your skin color is or who you love,” said state Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor). “We’re here to ensure that every person in Michigan has a seat at the table as decisions are being made.”
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