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Nine alumni of Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, five Republicans and four Democrats, are returning for another term in the state House of Representatives after Tuesday’s election.

Three also added leadership titles to their positions following caucus votes.

“All MPLP alumni are testimony to MPLP’s bipartisan spirit. We congratulate every candidate across the state of every party who ran – win or lose,” said Steve Tobocman, MPLP co-director and former state House Democratic leader.

Among Tuesday’s winners were:

  • Tyrone Carter (D), of Detroit, 6th House District. He’s a member of the MPLP Class of 2011.
  • Lori Stone (D), of Warren, 28th House District. She’s a member of the MPLP Class of 2017.
  • Brenda Carter (D), of Pontiac, 29th House District. She’s a member of the MPLP Class of 2013.
  • Ann Bollin (R), of Brighton, 42nd House District. She’s a member of the MPLP Class of 1996. She was also elected an assistant majority floor leader in the House Republican Caucus.
  • Andrea Schroeder (R), of Independence Township, 43rd House District. She’s a member of the MPLP Class of 2006. She was also elected majority whip in the House GOP caucus.
  • Donna Lasinski (D), of Scio Township, 52nd House District. She’s a member of the MPLP Class of  2011. She was also elected House Democratic Leader.
  • Mark Huizenga (R), of Walker, 74th House District. He’s a member of the MPLP Class of 2016.
  • Bradley Slagh (R),of Zeeland,  90th House District. He’s a member of the MPLP Class of 2007.
  • Graham Filler (R), of DeWitt, 93rd House District, MPLP Class of 2012.

With the Nov. 3 election, a total of 15 MPLP alumni -- nine House members and six state Senate members -- make up the Michigan Legislature. See the complete list of MPLP Alumni winning 2020 elections. 

"That's a winning streak," said MPLP Co-Directory Susy Avery, former Republican Party Chair. "For the past four years -- that's the past two elections -- MPLP Alumni have made up at least 10 percent of the Michigan Legislature. MSU is truly helping to create great leaders through MPLP."

At least a score of other MPLP alumni from around the state won elections for local township, county and school board positions. See all MPLP Alumni serving or having served in elected and appointed positions. 

Established in 1992, MPLP annually selects 24 people from around Michigan to take part in a nationally-recognized initiative training leaders in personal leadership, policy analysis and good governing. Since that time, more than half of MPLP Fellows have gained elective or appointive positions.

MPLP, in conjunction with the Michigan Political History Society, will host the biennial post-Election Wrap-Up on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at noon, with two expert panels reviewing the polls and the prose behind the 2020 election.

The online event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at http://bit.ly/IPPSRForum

MPLP welcomes interest in the program all year long, with applications generally available in the spring and due in the fall. MPLP is currently interviewing candidates for the program now and hopes to name the Class of 2021 MPLP Fellows this winter, Avery said.

MPLP is a unit of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) in MSU’s College of Social Science. It is a center for political leadership and development, policy education and survey research.

It is home not only to MPLP, but also to the Office for Survey Research, Public Policy Forums, Legislative Leadership Program and Legislative Staff Training Program.