Preceded by Virgil Smith Jr. Alma mater Georgetown University Party Democratic Party | Political party Democratic Party Education Georgetown University | |
Citizenship United States of America Residence Detroit, Michigan, United States Profiles | ||
Ian Conyers is an American politician who represents the 4th District of Michigan in the Michigan State Senate. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Contents
- Michigan state senator bucked the party and won ian conyers
- Early Life and Education
- Career
- Advocacy
- References
Conyers is the great-nephew of US Representative John Conyers, who also serves as Dean of the House of Representatives. Running in a special election to succeed Virgil Smith Jr., who resigned his seat, Conyers won the Democratic Party primary election, defeating eight other candidates, in August, 2016. He won the general election in November 2016.
Michigan state senator bucked the party and won ian conyers
Early Life and Education
Conyers attended University of Detroit Jesuit High School. After graduating, he attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Government. He returned to his alma mater again for his Masters of Professional Studies in Urban and Regional Planning.
Conyers is also a proud member of the fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi.
Career
Conyers' political career began notably in the summer of 2004, while he was a high school student. He worked as a field director in the Democratic Primary for the former State House District 7, prior to 2010 redistricting. Soon after graduating from Georgetown University, he was appointed by former DC Mayor, Adrian M. Fenty, as Ward 6 Constituent Services Deputy. He later served as a Regional Field Director for President Barack Obama's reelection campaign via Obama for America, and served as the Treasurer for Michigan's 13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization.
Subsequently, Conyers successfully executed a grassroots campaign to replace former State Senator, Virgil Smith Jr., who resigned from office. Conyers won the Michigan 4th State Senate District Democratic Primary with over 34% of the vote, and a nine point lead. He then proceeded to win the general election, with over 76% of the vote, to become the youngest State Senator in Michigan's history. He represents over 253,000 residents of Detroit, Lincoln Park, Allen Park, and Southgate, Michigan.
Conyers now serves on the Economic Development & International Investment, Energy & Technology, and Banking & Financial Services Committees in the Michigan State Senate, 99th Legislative Session. He is also the Minority Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee.
Advocacy
Conyers has actively involved himself in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others. Inspired by his late grandmother, who always taught him to "do good", he ran on the platform of "Building Jobs, Protecting Neighborhoods, and Developing Communities". Most notable is his work around public safety and reducing gun violence in neighborhoods.
He is also an advocate for disability rights and serves on the board of Athletes Without Limits, an organization that provides competitive athletes (with intellectual disabilities) the ability to compete in international sporting competitions.