Legacy Award Nominee's - The 2nd CD will vote for TWO names
(1.male , 1 female, or non-binary) on May 11th at the in-person event.
(1.male , 1 female, or non-binary) on May 11th at the in-person event.
Barry County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Christina Rose Bush has been nominated by members of the Barry County Democratic Committee for the MDP Legacy Award because, as chairperson, she has shown unwavering dedication to the work of democracy and to the values of the Democratic Party. Despite enormous personal adversity, Chris has kept our small, but growing group moving ahead in purpose. As her own leadership style has developed, so has our county party. Our meetings have been honed and kept on task. When there are procedural questions, she consults with MDP to get answers, then educates our group on her findings. She rallies us to participate in community events, apply tgo sit on county committees, attend public meetings, canvass our fellow Democrats; in short – she entreaties us to make ourselves known and heard in our community, and that has resulted in more participation (actively and with donations) by new-to-us Democrats. Because of Chris, we are noticed. Because of Chris, we have drawn out more Democrats who have thought they were alone in this community. Because of her constant encouragement, we have more Democratic candidates on our ballots than memory serves. Chris is our champion!
Male Nominee: Duane Miller became a member of the Gladwin County Democratic Party just six months after moving to the County following his retirement from the Methodist Church. He has now been a member in good standing for 11 years. Duane is always willing to attach himself to any worthy project that the Party undertakes. Since I have been in the party, Duane has always organized and supervised the Adopt A Highway Program for our Party’s 3 miles of M-18 between Beaverton and Gladwin. He has helped others from the party to put the finishing touch to a Habitat for Humanity home in Gladwin. He is a founding member of Gladwin County Community Builders, working tirelessly to make this project a success for the entire county. Duane has worked many shifts with his wife Diana at our office. He has proudly carried our GCDP banner in many parades in Gladwin, Beaverton and Clare. When we are looking for a learned and honest opinion on any matter Duane is someone the party can turn to at any time. Duane is being nominated for the 2nd Congressional District’s 2024 Legacy Award for his years of service and dedication to the Gladwin County Democratic Party
Clare County Democratic Party's 2 nominees::
Eaton County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Gladwin County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Diana Miller for the 2nd Congressional District’s 2024 Legacy Award. Diana and her husband Duane came to the party at a time of crisis. The party’s treasurer had not kept proper books and the GCPD was facing an insurmountable fine for being out of compliance. That was in 2014 and Diana took on the challenge of straightening the debacle out. With the help of Tammy Lewis they got the fines reduced to a manageable level and with her financial talents Diana got us on the road to being solvent and in good standing with the Michigan Democratic Party. Diana has been our party's treasurer for 10 years now and has done an incredible job of keeping our financial books in order. She has been a vital member by routinely working in the Party’s office, helping with parades, often carrying the party banner throughout the route with her husband Duane. She has been a member of our executive board for ten years and always attends the monthly meetings. In short the Gladwin County Democratic Party would not be where we are today without the hard work and dedication put forth by Diana Miller.
Male Nominee: Duane Miller became a member of the Gladwin County Democratic Party just six months after moving to the County following his retirement from the Methodist Church. He has now been a member in good standing for 11 years. Duane is always willing to attach himself to any worthy project that the Party undertakes. Since I have been in the party, Duane has always organized and supervised the Adopt A Highway Program for our Party’s 3 miles of M-18 between Beaverton and Gladwin. He has helped others from the party to put the finishing touch to a Habitat for Humanity home in Gladwin. He is a founding member of Gladwin County Community Builders, working tirelessly to make this project a success for the entire county. Duane has worked many shifts with his wife Diana at our office. He has proudly carried our GCDP banner in many parades in Gladwin, Beaverton and Clare. When we are looking for a learned and honest opinion on any matter Duane is someone the party can turn to at any time. Duane is being nominated for the 2nd Congressional District’s 2024 Legacy Award for his years of service and dedication to the Gladwin County Democratic Party
Gratiot County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Lisa Gregory is a retired English teacher from Breckenridge High School. She is also a proud grandmother who enjoys spending time with her two-year-old granddaughter. Lisa joined the Gratiot Democratic Party three years ago and has become indispensable as the Secretary of our group. Her skills extend far beyond the job description of a secretary. In addition to keeping accurate minutes, conducting correspondence, and maintaining permanent records, Lisa serves as our webmaster and the editor of our professional bi-monthly newsletter. (Enclosed is a copy of our March/April newsletter for the 2nd Congressional District members perusal.) Lisa is also the webmaster for our CD2 U.S. Congressional District candidate, Michael Lynch, who is also a Gratiot County Democratic Party member. Lisa Gregory is a servant leader that is deserving of recognition for her outstanding skills and service on behalf of Democrats.
Male Nominee: Brent DeVries for the MDP Legacy Award. Brent has been an active member of the Gratiot County Democratic Party for the past four years. He ran for County Commissioner in 2022 and has been our treasurer for the past three years. Brent and his wife Stacey are the proud parents of three young children and are busy with school and extra-curricular family activities. Brent provides leadership and stability for our local party through his “out-of-the-box” thinking. He developed a long term plan that was adopted by our group which focuses on increased membership, candidate recruitment and training and establishing financial security which will allow us to keep our year round office open and thriving. He is an exceptional treasurer who is methodical when preparing financial reports, well organized, knowledgeable about accounting and developing financial policies. Brent DeVries is a servant leader that is deserving of recognition for his outstanding service on behalf of Democrats
Ionia County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Isabella County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Kent County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Judy Herrick - Judy has been involved with the Kent County Democratic Party since 2017. She was one of the original Caledonia Dems Club board members, taking charge of the social aspect. She provided food and set up of all social events. Judy has canvassed door to door for numerous candidates at the county level, utilizing MiniVan adeptly. She has worked on assembling literature for the county and One Campaign. Judy is on the Membership Committee of the Kent County Democratic Party, taking charge of the social hours prior to monthly business meetings. She regularly attends Membership Committee meetings providing critical feedback and leadership. Judy has developed training materials for Precinct Captain training programs and Canvassing Programs. She has been involved in Volunteer Appreciation programs and Party events. Judy is always optimistic, encouraging, and has an unending smile.
No Male nominee at this time.
Lake County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
No female nominee at this time.
Male Nominee: Roger Kent - Roger is a tireless worker for the Lake County Dem's. He is the mover behind all of our fundraiser activities. He cooks at every one of our monthly meetings and cleans up afterwards. He makes homemade cinnamon rolls before we all clean the MDOT road at his house. He puts up his camper for the Memorial Weekend Fundraiser we have every year so he can have a place for us all to cleanup, cook and place price tags on every item that is for sale. Whenever we do an event, Roger is the first to arrive and the last to leave. He is a true democrat and we wish we had 10 more like him.
Manistee County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Male Nominee: Lee Trucks - has been a lifelong dedicated Democrat working diligently for social, economic, and environmental justice for the greater good of all people. Lee was the principal owner of a very successful business providing office supplies and services to local businesses and the public in Manistee. This business has prospered even in the shadows of big box office supply stores due to the focus on local personal service dedication. After his retirement, Lee has turned his passion to supporting the MCDP by volunteering as our communications Committee chairperson. Under Lee’s leadership the MCDP website (https://www.manisteecountydemocrats.us) has been recognized as one of the best in the state of Michigan. Lee has also maintained our Google Group email network that has grown to over 450 active email addresses. The MCDP Facebook page and discussion group has also grown exponentially under Lee’s attention. In his “spare time” Lee has been active providing website management and social media support for the Great Lakes Environmental Festival that is held every April during Earth Day. Lee Trucks is certainly deserving of this recognition by the Michigan Democratic Party Second Congressional District Committee.
Female Nominee: Judy Cunningham - is a retired educator and accountant who has steadfastly and expertly maintained the financial records of the MCDP for the past 15 years. She has provided the leadership we needed to move from snail-mail cash and checks to the use of credit cards and Act-Blue technology that has enabled the MCDP to raise over $27,000 in 2022! Judy has also stepped up to add her passionate leadership to the MCDP Candidate Support Committee where she has successfully recruited down ballot candidates to run against incumbents in all Manistee County races this year! Judy is always working to support Democrat issues. She writes many letters to the editor and is actively engaged as a member of the Great Lakes Environmental Festival planning committee for this successful exhibit of the efforts of many organizations to help mitigate the impact of climate change. As chair of the MCDP I cannot think of a more engaged, dedicated, and passionate member of our county organization. Judy Cunningham is highly deserving of this recognition by the Michigan Democratic Party Second Congressional District Committee.
Mason County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
No Female Nominee to add per the Chair Ed Miller on 04/19/2004.
No Male Nominee to add per the Chair Ed Miller on 04/19/2004.
Mecosta County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Midland County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Montcalm County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Muskegon County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Newaygo County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Oceana County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Osceola County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Ottawa County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Wexford County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Male Nominee: Mark W. Yonkman Bio - Mark W. Yonkman is a Michigan native and long-time supporter of Democratic causes. His ancestors homesteaded Michigan beginning in the 1870s and he is now a 6th generation family farmer in Boon, Michigan. Mark started in a one-room schoolhouse and was a first generation college student when he attended Kalamazoo College. The Cadillac Rotary Club sent Mark to Brazil for a year during his Junior year at Cadillac Senior High. He went on to Wayne State Law School and first practiced law at Pepper Hamilton in Detroit. He went on to become General Counsel-Corporate Finance of Comerica Bank in Detroit and later General Counsel of M&T Bank, the largest retail bank in New York and a Fortune 500 company. While in Michigan, Mark became a foster home for the City of Detroit and did emergency placement and respite care for Detroit foster children. Mark is also a co-founder with a federal judge of Law School Yes We Can, which is a non-profit dedicated to ensuring under-represented minorities complete college and get into law school with the goal of ensuring that our legal system more closely reflects the makeup of society at large. Mark has also been an active supporter of obtaining equal rights for the LGTBQ community. Mark inherited his family farm in Michigan when Covid hit. Being back on the farm in rural Michigan and watching how urban and rural America mis-communicate prompted him to write a book to help Democrats rebuild communication with rural America - specifically the 8 Upper Midwestern states, and to help Democrats win those states. Mark firmly believes that there is a lot of low hanging fruit for Democrats in the rural cohort of voters, which comprises at least 25% of the Electoral College vote. He is working hard to reverse Democrats’ losses among rural voters.
Female Nominee: Antonette (Tiyi) Schippers - Tiyi has been a Democratic activist since, at age 17, she was the student coordinator for the Northern Cook County, Illinois Citizens for McGovern even before she was eligible to vote. After moving to Michigan in 1986, Tiyi, and her husband David Bunce sought out and participated in the Wexford County Democratic Party. She sat on the board of The Committee to De-Elect George W. Bush, then served as chair of the Wexford County Democrats throughout the Bush Administration. In 2006 she ran for the 35th District Michigan Senate race against the republican juggernaut, Michelle McManus, so she would not run unopposed. Despite enormous funding disparity she won 39% in the general election in a solid red district, pushing the needle blue.
She helped organize the first and second Obama campaigns from her home in Cadillac, working with field operatives to organize volunteers, to canvass throughout the county from her living room in Cadillac, where she would provide hot soup lunches to the volunteer canvassers, as well as walking the streets despite her physical disabilities. As a result the city of Cadillac voted in the majority for Barack Obama in 2008, the first time a democratic candidate won the city… ever. During the Obama administration Tiyi created and maintained a Facebook group titled Wexford County Progressives, to keep the conversation alive in her extremely red area. During this time she also ran for and won a seat on the Cadillac City Council where she continues to serve as Mayor Pro Temp. When Trump held a rally at The Wexford County Civic Center in 2016, Tiyi used her contacts in the community to organize a flash protest involving hundreds of people during the event. After Trump was inaugurated Tiyi, pushing her walker she named Alice Walker, rode a bus to D.C. and marched in the largest protest in US history, The Women’s March. Then, on MLK Day, she helped transform the Wexford County Progressives into a PAC, to organize her community with the goal of making Trump a one term president. Over 75 people attended the first organizational meeting. Tiyi Schippers has also mentored many young democrats, serving as campaign manager for Amanda Siggins who ran for state rep in the 102nd, in 2020, then in the redistricted 101st, in 2022. She has been a listening ear and mentor to Representative Betsy Coffia for many years. She also created, and serves as advisor for The Cadillac Mayor’s Youth Council, a city sanctioned organization to help Cadillac area youth participate in municipal government. Tiyi continues to serve the Wexford County Democratic Party as an advisor, offering her institutional memory, and expertise to the newly reinvigorated Wexford County Democratic Party. Aside from her party activism, Tiyi has also organized her community to stand up to neo Nazis who were recruiting and inflicting violence in her community, creating a group called Cadillac United, bringing education, political, faith based, public safety, and other community leaders together to stand against hate. She helped organize the Black Lives Matter March in Cadillac, as well as the Rally for Reproductive Freedom in her community. She was awarded the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of the Community Award in 2023. Antoinette (Tiyi) Schippers continues to serve and exemplify the Democratic Party ideals and principles throughout her work in the community, state and nation.
Female Nominee: Christina Rose Bush has been nominated by members of the Barry County Democratic Committee for the MDP Legacy Award because, as chairperson, she has shown unwavering dedication to the work of democracy and to the values of the Democratic Party. Despite enormous personal adversity, Chris has kept our small, but growing group moving ahead in purpose. As her own leadership style has developed, so has our county party. Our meetings have been honed and kept on task. When there are procedural questions, she consults with MDP to get answers, then educates our group on her findings. She rallies us to participate in community events, apply tgo sit on county committees, attend public meetings, canvass our fellow Democrats; in short – she entreaties us to make ourselves known and heard in our community, and that has resulted in more participation (actively and with donations) by new-to-us Democrats. Because of Chris, we are noticed. Because of Chris, we have drawn out more Democrats who have thought they were alone in this community. Because of her constant encouragement, we have more Democratic candidates on our ballots than memory serves. Chris is our champion!
Male Nominee: Duane Miller became a member of the Gladwin County Democratic Party just six months after moving to the County following his retirement from the Methodist Church. He has now been a member in good standing for 11 years. Duane is always willing to attach himself to any worthy project that the Party undertakes. Since I have been in the party, Duane has always organized and supervised the Adopt A Highway Program for our Party’s 3 miles of M-18 between Beaverton and Gladwin. He has helped others from the party to put the finishing touch to a Habitat for Humanity home in Gladwin. He is a founding member of Gladwin County Community Builders, working tirelessly to make this project a success for the entire county. Duane has worked many shifts with his wife Diana at our office. He has proudly carried our GCDP banner in many parades in Gladwin, Beaverton and Clare. When we are looking for a learned and honest opinion on any matter Duane is someone the party can turn to at any time. Duane is being nominated for the 2nd Congressional District’s 2024 Legacy Award for his years of service and dedication to the Gladwin County Democratic Party
Clare County Democratic Party's 2 nominees::
Eaton County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Gladwin County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Diana Miller for the 2nd Congressional District’s 2024 Legacy Award. Diana and her husband Duane came to the party at a time of crisis. The party’s treasurer had not kept proper books and the GCPD was facing an insurmountable fine for being out of compliance. That was in 2014 and Diana took on the challenge of straightening the debacle out. With the help of Tammy Lewis they got the fines reduced to a manageable level and with her financial talents Diana got us on the road to being solvent and in good standing with the Michigan Democratic Party. Diana has been our party's treasurer for 10 years now and has done an incredible job of keeping our financial books in order. She has been a vital member by routinely working in the Party’s office, helping with parades, often carrying the party banner throughout the route with her husband Duane. She has been a member of our executive board for ten years and always attends the monthly meetings. In short the Gladwin County Democratic Party would not be where we are today without the hard work and dedication put forth by Diana Miller.
Male Nominee: Duane Miller became a member of the Gladwin County Democratic Party just six months after moving to the County following his retirement from the Methodist Church. He has now been a member in good standing for 11 years. Duane is always willing to attach himself to any worthy project that the Party undertakes. Since I have been in the party, Duane has always organized and supervised the Adopt A Highway Program for our Party’s 3 miles of M-18 between Beaverton and Gladwin. He has helped others from the party to put the finishing touch to a Habitat for Humanity home in Gladwin. He is a founding member of Gladwin County Community Builders, working tirelessly to make this project a success for the entire county. Duane has worked many shifts with his wife Diana at our office. He has proudly carried our GCDP banner in many parades in Gladwin, Beaverton and Clare. When we are looking for a learned and honest opinion on any matter Duane is someone the party can turn to at any time. Duane is being nominated for the 2nd Congressional District’s 2024 Legacy Award for his years of service and dedication to the Gladwin County Democratic Party
Gratiot County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Lisa Gregory is a retired English teacher from Breckenridge High School. She is also a proud grandmother who enjoys spending time with her two-year-old granddaughter. Lisa joined the Gratiot Democratic Party three years ago and has become indispensable as the Secretary of our group. Her skills extend far beyond the job description of a secretary. In addition to keeping accurate minutes, conducting correspondence, and maintaining permanent records, Lisa serves as our webmaster and the editor of our professional bi-monthly newsletter. (Enclosed is a copy of our March/April newsletter for the 2nd Congressional District members perusal.) Lisa is also the webmaster for our CD2 U.S. Congressional District candidate, Michael Lynch, who is also a Gratiot County Democratic Party member. Lisa Gregory is a servant leader that is deserving of recognition for her outstanding skills and service on behalf of Democrats.
Male Nominee: Brent DeVries for the MDP Legacy Award. Brent has been an active member of the Gratiot County Democratic Party for the past four years. He ran for County Commissioner in 2022 and has been our treasurer for the past three years. Brent and his wife Stacey are the proud parents of three young children and are busy with school and extra-curricular family activities. Brent provides leadership and stability for our local party through his “out-of-the-box” thinking. He developed a long term plan that was adopted by our group which focuses on increased membership, candidate recruitment and training and establishing financial security which will allow us to keep our year round office open and thriving. He is an exceptional treasurer who is methodical when preparing financial reports, well organized, knowledgeable about accounting and developing financial policies. Brent DeVries is a servant leader that is deserving of recognition for his outstanding service on behalf of Democrats
Ionia County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Isabella County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Kent County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Female Nominee: Judy Herrick - Judy has been involved with the Kent County Democratic Party since 2017. She was one of the original Caledonia Dems Club board members, taking charge of the social aspect. She provided food and set up of all social events. Judy has canvassed door to door for numerous candidates at the county level, utilizing MiniVan adeptly. She has worked on assembling literature for the county and One Campaign. Judy is on the Membership Committee of the Kent County Democratic Party, taking charge of the social hours prior to monthly business meetings. She regularly attends Membership Committee meetings providing critical feedback and leadership. Judy has developed training materials for Precinct Captain training programs and Canvassing Programs. She has been involved in Volunteer Appreciation programs and Party events. Judy is always optimistic, encouraging, and has an unending smile.
No Male nominee at this time.
Lake County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
No female nominee at this time.
Male Nominee: Roger Kent - Roger is a tireless worker for the Lake County Dem's. He is the mover behind all of our fundraiser activities. He cooks at every one of our monthly meetings and cleans up afterwards. He makes homemade cinnamon rolls before we all clean the MDOT road at his house. He puts up his camper for the Memorial Weekend Fundraiser we have every year so he can have a place for us all to cleanup, cook and place price tags on every item that is for sale. Whenever we do an event, Roger is the first to arrive and the last to leave. He is a true democrat and we wish we had 10 more like him.
Manistee County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Male Nominee: Lee Trucks - has been a lifelong dedicated Democrat working diligently for social, economic, and environmental justice for the greater good of all people. Lee was the principal owner of a very successful business providing office supplies and services to local businesses and the public in Manistee. This business has prospered even in the shadows of big box office supply stores due to the focus on local personal service dedication. After his retirement, Lee has turned his passion to supporting the MCDP by volunteering as our communications Committee chairperson. Under Lee’s leadership the MCDP website (https://www.manisteecountydemocrats.us) has been recognized as one of the best in the state of Michigan. Lee has also maintained our Google Group email network that has grown to over 450 active email addresses. The MCDP Facebook page and discussion group has also grown exponentially under Lee’s attention. In his “spare time” Lee has been active providing website management and social media support for the Great Lakes Environmental Festival that is held every April during Earth Day. Lee Trucks is certainly deserving of this recognition by the Michigan Democratic Party Second Congressional District Committee.
Female Nominee: Judy Cunningham - is a retired educator and accountant who has steadfastly and expertly maintained the financial records of the MCDP for the past 15 years. She has provided the leadership we needed to move from snail-mail cash and checks to the use of credit cards and Act-Blue technology that has enabled the MCDP to raise over $27,000 in 2022! Judy has also stepped up to add her passionate leadership to the MCDP Candidate Support Committee where she has successfully recruited down ballot candidates to run against incumbents in all Manistee County races this year! Judy is always working to support Democrat issues. She writes many letters to the editor and is actively engaged as a member of the Great Lakes Environmental Festival planning committee for this successful exhibit of the efforts of many organizations to help mitigate the impact of climate change. As chair of the MCDP I cannot think of a more engaged, dedicated, and passionate member of our county organization. Judy Cunningham is highly deserving of this recognition by the Michigan Democratic Party Second Congressional District Committee.
Mason County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
No Female Nominee to add per the Chair Ed Miller on 04/19/2004.
No Male Nominee to add per the Chair Ed Miller on 04/19/2004.
Mecosta County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Midland County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Montcalm County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Muskegon County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Newaygo County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Oceana County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Osceola County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Ottawa County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Wexford County Democratic Party's 2 nominees:
Male Nominee: Mark W. Yonkman Bio - Mark W. Yonkman is a Michigan native and long-time supporter of Democratic causes. His ancestors homesteaded Michigan beginning in the 1870s and he is now a 6th generation family farmer in Boon, Michigan. Mark started in a one-room schoolhouse and was a first generation college student when he attended Kalamazoo College. The Cadillac Rotary Club sent Mark to Brazil for a year during his Junior year at Cadillac Senior High. He went on to Wayne State Law School and first practiced law at Pepper Hamilton in Detroit. He went on to become General Counsel-Corporate Finance of Comerica Bank in Detroit and later General Counsel of M&T Bank, the largest retail bank in New York and a Fortune 500 company. While in Michigan, Mark became a foster home for the City of Detroit and did emergency placement and respite care for Detroit foster children. Mark is also a co-founder with a federal judge of Law School Yes We Can, which is a non-profit dedicated to ensuring under-represented minorities complete college and get into law school with the goal of ensuring that our legal system more closely reflects the makeup of society at large. Mark has also been an active supporter of obtaining equal rights for the LGTBQ community. Mark inherited his family farm in Michigan when Covid hit. Being back on the farm in rural Michigan and watching how urban and rural America mis-communicate prompted him to write a book to help Democrats rebuild communication with rural America - specifically the 8 Upper Midwestern states, and to help Democrats win those states. Mark firmly believes that there is a lot of low hanging fruit for Democrats in the rural cohort of voters, which comprises at least 25% of the Electoral College vote. He is working hard to reverse Democrats’ losses among rural voters.
Female Nominee: Antonette (Tiyi) Schippers - Tiyi has been a Democratic activist since, at age 17, she was the student coordinator for the Northern Cook County, Illinois Citizens for McGovern even before she was eligible to vote. After moving to Michigan in 1986, Tiyi, and her husband David Bunce sought out and participated in the Wexford County Democratic Party. She sat on the board of The Committee to De-Elect George W. Bush, then served as chair of the Wexford County Democrats throughout the Bush Administration. In 2006 she ran for the 35th District Michigan Senate race against the republican juggernaut, Michelle McManus, so she would not run unopposed. Despite enormous funding disparity she won 39% in the general election in a solid red district, pushing the needle blue.
She helped organize the first and second Obama campaigns from her home in Cadillac, working with field operatives to organize volunteers, to canvass throughout the county from her living room in Cadillac, where she would provide hot soup lunches to the volunteer canvassers, as well as walking the streets despite her physical disabilities. As a result the city of Cadillac voted in the majority for Barack Obama in 2008, the first time a democratic candidate won the city… ever. During the Obama administration Tiyi created and maintained a Facebook group titled Wexford County Progressives, to keep the conversation alive in her extremely red area. During this time she also ran for and won a seat on the Cadillac City Council where she continues to serve as Mayor Pro Temp. When Trump held a rally at The Wexford County Civic Center in 2016, Tiyi used her contacts in the community to organize a flash protest involving hundreds of people during the event. After Trump was inaugurated Tiyi, pushing her walker she named Alice Walker, rode a bus to D.C. and marched in the largest protest in US history, The Women’s March. Then, on MLK Day, she helped transform the Wexford County Progressives into a PAC, to organize her community with the goal of making Trump a one term president. Over 75 people attended the first organizational meeting. Tiyi Schippers has also mentored many young democrats, serving as campaign manager for Amanda Siggins who ran for state rep in the 102nd, in 2020, then in the redistricted 101st, in 2022. She has been a listening ear and mentor to Representative Betsy Coffia for many years. She also created, and serves as advisor for The Cadillac Mayor’s Youth Council, a city sanctioned organization to help Cadillac area youth participate in municipal government. Tiyi continues to serve the Wexford County Democratic Party as an advisor, offering her institutional memory, and expertise to the newly reinvigorated Wexford County Democratic Party. Aside from her party activism, Tiyi has also organized her community to stand up to neo Nazis who were recruiting and inflicting violence in her community, creating a group called Cadillac United, bringing education, political, faith based, public safety, and other community leaders together to stand against hate. She helped organize the Black Lives Matter March in Cadillac, as well as the Rally for Reproductive Freedom in her community. She was awarded the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of the Community Award in 2023. Antoinette (Tiyi) Schippers continues to serve and exemplify the Democratic Party ideals and principles throughout her work in the community, state and nation.