Name Winnie Brinks Spouse(s) Steve Education Calvin College | Alma mater Calvin College Website [1] | |
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Residence Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States | ||
Winnie Brinks thanks supporters after declaring state senate win
Winnie Brinks (born February 17, 1968 in Mount Vernon, Washington) is a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, serving since 2013. Before serving in elected office, Brinks worked as an executive at a non-profit. She serves as the Michigan Democratic Caucus Policy Chair. In the Legislature she serves on the Workforce and Talent Development, Education, Health Policy, and Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committees. She also serves as chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus, a non-profit organization that addresses concerns about women's health, pay equity, economic security and gender violence.
Contents
- Winnie Brinks thanks supporters after declaring state senate win
- Winnie Brinks gives victory speech in Grand Rapids
- Education and early career
- Political career
- References
Winnie Brinks gives victory speech in Grand Rapids
Education and early career
Brinks earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Calvin College. For several years she was Executive Director of One Way House Inc., a residential facility for non-violent female offenders. She also was a caseworker at The Source, an employee support organization.
Political career
Brinks was recruited to run for office after Roy Schmidt, who had previously held the seat as a Democrat, switched to the Republican Party at the filing deadline, leaving no legitimate Democratic candidate on the primary ballot. Brinks ran as a write-in candidate, exceeding the 1,000 required votes to win the primary. She then defeated Schmidt in the November general election. In 2014, she was re-elected, defeating Republican challenger Donijo DeJonge and in 2016 defeated Republican challenger Casey J. O'Neill.