Spartan Caucus
The Spartan Caucus is a testament to Michigan State University's profound influence on public service and governance in Michigan. Comprising MSU alumni who serve in pivotal roles within the Michigan Legislature and Executive Office. Their collective efforts highlight the enduring impact of MSU's educational philosophy, one that fosters civic responsibility and a drive to serve the greater good.
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Governor
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
As Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer is committed to solving problems for Michiganders across the state. Under her leadership, that means expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving education and skills training, respecting working families, cleaning up Michigan’s drinking water, and of course, fixing the roads. More -
State Senate
Sylvia Santana - District 2
Representing Michigan’s 2nd Senate District, Sylvia Santana is an MSU alumna dedicated to affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic growth. She serves as Chair of the DHHS Appropriations sub-committee.
Jeremy Moss – District 7
Representing Michigan’s 7th Senate District, Jeremy Moss is an MSU alumnus serving as Senate President Pro Tempore. He chairs both the Elections and Ethics Committee and the Regulatory Affairs Committee, focusing on voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and government transparency.
Michael Webber – District 9
Representing Michigan’s 9th Senate District, Michael Webber earned his degree in International Relations from MSU. A former State Representative and Rochester Hills City Councilman, he now serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and is active in local community organizations.
Kevin Hertel – District 12
Kevin Hertel, a Michigan State University alumnus, serves in the Michigan Senate, where he chairs the Health Policy and Military, Veterans, and Police Appropriations committees. His legislative focus includes health care, labor, infrastructure, and public safety, building on six years of experience in the House. Hertel's leadership emphasizes key policy initiatives that address Michigan’s critical needs, reflecting his strong ties to both the university and the state’s future.
Thomas Albert – District 18
Thomas Albert, a Michigan State University MBA graduate, serves as Minority Vice Chair of 5 key committees along with the Senate Appropriations Committee, helping to oversee Michigan’s state budget and economic policy. With six years of experience in the House, he focuses on strategic budgeting, education funding, and infrastructure investments. A former Marine Corps officer and state investment official, Albert prioritizes addressing inflation, fostering economic growth, and enhancing public safety to support Michigan communities.
Dan Lauwers – District 25
Dan Lauwers, a Michigan State University graduate in Agricultural Economics, serves as Senate Minority Floor Leader. With experience in the House and Senate, Lauwers focuses on energy, environmental policy, and regulatory affairs as Minority Vice Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. His legislative priorities include supporting Michigan’s agricultural sector, infrastructure, and small business growth.
Sam Singh – District 28
Sam Singh, a Michigan State University graduate and former East Lansing mayor, serves as Senate Majority Floor Leader. While at MSU, he was active in ASMSU, igniting his passion for public service. Singh chairs the Oversight Committee and serves as vice chair of the Energy and Environment, Government Operations, and multiple appropriations subcommittees, including Environment, Agriculture, and Higher Education. With six years in the House and nonprofit leadership experience, his legislative priorities center on environmental sustainability, higher education, and economic development, making him a key advocate for the Greater Lansing region and Michigan’s future.
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State House
Joe Tate – District 9Joe Tate, a Michigan State University alumnus and former MSU football player, made history as Michigan’s first Black Speaker of the House. He currently serves in the House, where he is the Minority Vice Chair of the Energy Committee and a member of the Economic Competitiveness and Insurance Committees. A Marine Corps veteran with an MBA and environmental policy expertise, Tate focuses on affordable living, education, economic growth, and public safety. His leadership is deeply rooted in public service, teamwork, and improving outcomes for Detroit and the state.
Stephanie Young – District 16
Stephanie Young, a Michigan State University graduate from James Madison College, serves her third term in the Michigan House, representing Northwest Detroit. As Minority Vice Chair of the Families and Veterans Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, her legislative focus includes economic opportunity, veteran services, and family support. Previously, she led Detroit’s Community Education Commission, improving education access and outcomes for students. Young’s extensive public service and leadership experience reflect her dedication to strengthening Detroit’s communities and promoting equitable opportunities statewide.
Laurie Pohutsky – District 17Laurie Pohutsky, a Michigan State University graduate in microbiology, is serving her fourth term in the Michigan House. As Minority Vice Chair of the Oversight Weaponization of State Government Subcommittee and a member of the Oversight and Corporate Subsidies Subcommittees, she champions environmental causes and scientific perspectives in policymaking. With experience in food safety, toxicology, and water quality testing, Pohutsky brings expertise to critical oversight matters while continuing her advocacy for community voices.
Kelly Breen – District 21
Kelly Breen, a Michigan State University graduate, is serving her third term in the Michigan House, representing Novi and surrounding areas. She is a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees, focusing on fiscal responsibility, civil rights, and legal reforms. Breen’s background as an attorney and local council member informs her advocacy for working families, education, and accessible healthcare. Her leadership emphasizes creating equitable opportunities and addressing key economic challenges across her district and the state.
Jennifer Wortz - District 35
Jennifer Wortz, a Michigan State University graduate in Agricultural Communications, serves as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. She is also a member of the Natural Resources and Tourism, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Wortz previously managed the Branch County Conservation District and served on the Quincy Community Schools Board. A lifelong advocate for rural communities, she focuses on agricultural policy, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure improvements. She resides in Quincy, where she and her family operate Central Grace Farms.
Pauline Wendzel – District 39
Pauline Wendzel, a Michigan State University graduate in anthropology and food industry marketing, serves as Chair of the House Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Communications and Technology, Regulatory Reform, Rules, and Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. A fourth-generation farmer from Bainbridge Township, Wendzel brings a strong background in agriculture and local governance to her legislative work. She prioritizes energy policy, economic development, and regulatory reform to support Michigan’s workforce and small businesses.
Kathy Schmaltz – District 46
Kathy Schmaltz, a Michigan State University graduate in communication arts, serves as Chair of the House Families and Veterans Committee. She also sits on the Energy, Health Policy, Communications and Technology, and Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. A former journalist and news anchor, Schmaltz has a long history of public service, including board appointments by Gov. John Engler. She is deeply engaged in community initiatives, focusing on veteran support, public policy, and nonprofit leadership in the Jackson area.
Joseph Aragona – District 60
Joseph Aragona, an MBA candidate at Michigan State University, serves as Chair of the House Regulatory Reform Committee and Vice Chair of the Rules Committee. He is also a member of the Finance and Insurance Committees. A former Clinton Township trustee and small business owner, Aragona brings a strong background in local governance and economic policy. His legislative priorities include regulatory efficiency, financial policy, and supporting small businesses.
Joe Pavlov - District 64
Joseph G. Pavlov, a Michigan State University College of Education graduate, serves in the Michigan House, where he is a member of the Agriculture, Education and Workforce, Election Integrity, and Families and Veterans Committees. A retired teacher with 38 years in education, Pavlov is passionate about preparing students for success. His legislative priorities include strengthening Michigan’s education system, supporting agricultural communities, and ensuring election integrity. A lifelong resident of the Blue Water area, he remains dedicated to representing Sanilac and St. Clair counties.
Josh Schriver – District 66
Josh Schriver, a Michigan State University graduate with a Master of Science in psychology, serves in the Michigan House, focusing on oversight and technology policy. He is Vice Chair of the Oversight Weaponization of State Government Subcommittee and a member of the Oversight, Communications and Technology, and Homeland Security and Foreign Influence Committees. With a background in education and behavioral analysis, Schriver advocates for government accountability and community-focused initiatives.
Jasper Martus – District 69
Jasper Martus, a Michigan State University James Madison College graduate, serves in the Michigan House, where he is Minority Vice Chair of the Appropriations Labor and Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. He is also a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Michigan State Police Subcommittee. A former communications advisor for House Democrats and staffer for Congressman Dan Kildee, Martus prioritizes economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and education policy. His leadership is shaped by his commitment to advocacy for Genesee County and his hands-on community experience.
Julie Brixie – District 73
Julie Brixie, a Michigan State University graduate with a master’s degree in crop and soil sciences, serves in the Michigan House, focusing on economic and environmental policy. She is a member of the Economic Competitiveness and Energy Committees. A former Meridian Township Treasurer and Trustee, Brixie has led efforts on land preservation, renewable energy, and infrastructure investment. Her legislative work prioritizes sustainability, smart fiscal management, and community development.
Kara Hope – District 74
Kara Hope, a Michigan State University graduate, serves in the Michigan House, where she is a member of the Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. A former defense attorney and adjunct law professor, she has focused her legislative work on criminal justice reform, infrastructure improvements, and expanding access to education. Previously, she served on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners and has been actively involved in community service initiatives.
Penelope Tsernoglou – District 75Penelope Tsernoglou, a Michigan State University-Detroit College of Law graduate, serves in the Michigan House, where she is Minority Vice Chair of the Oversight State and Local Assistance Programs Subcommittee. She is also a member of the Oversight Committee and the Oversight Public Health and Food Security Subcommittee. A former Ingham County Commissioner and defense attorney, she has led efforts in criminal justice reform, voter access, and public health policy. Her advocacy focuses on protecting Michigan’s environment, workers’ rights, and community well-being.
Emily Dievendorf – District 77
Emily Dievendorf, a Michigan State University James Madison College graduate, serves in the Michigan House, where they are a member of the Agriculture and Regulatory Reform Committees. A longtime advocate for civil rights and social justice, Dievendorf has worked extensively in public service, including leadership roles in Equality Michigan and the Michigan Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Their legislative focus includes LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, and economic opportunity.
Stephen Wooden - District 81
Stephen Wooden, a Michigan State University graduate, serves in the Michigan House, where he is Minority Vice Chair of the Election Integrity Committee and a member of the Natural Resources and Tourism Committee. Previously a Kent County Commissioner, Wooden worked on lead poisoning prevention, mental health services, and affordable housing initiatives. With a background in nonprofit community development, he prioritizes lowering costs for housing and essential services while strengthening Michigan’s electoral and environmental policies.
Kristian Grant – District 82
Kristian Grant, a Michigan State University graduate, serves in the Michigan House as Minority Vice Chair of the Economic Competitiveness Committee and a member of the Regulatory Reform and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. A former Grand Rapids Public Schools Board President and entrepreneur, she has championed policies on housing, economic development, and education. Grant has successfully passed legislation on fair housing, expungement protections, and public safety. Her leadership focuses on equitable opportunities and community-driven policy solutions.
John Fitzgerald – District 83
John Fitzgerald, a Michigan State University graduate, serves as Democratic Floor Leader in the Michigan House. He is Minority Vice Chair of the Government Operations Committee and a member of the Insurance Committee. A former Wyoming City Council member, Fitzgerald prioritizes community services, economic development, public safety, and expanding opportunities for Michigan families. His leadership is shaped by a commitment to constituent advocacy and bipartisan collaboration.
Bryan Posthumus – District 90
Bryan Posthumus, a Michigan State University graduate in Agricultural Business Management, serves as House Majority Floor Leader. He is also a member of the Finance, Insurance, and Rules Committees. A fifth-generation farmer and the largest farmer-owned hop grower in Michigan, Posthumus prioritizes economic development, agriculture, and regulatory reform. With a deep family history in public service, he plays a key role in legislative strategy for the House Republican caucus.