Betsy Coffia
Betsy Coffia | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 103rd district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Daire Rendon |
| Member of the Grand Traverse County Commission | |
| In office 2019–2023 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1977 Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Traverse City, Michigan |
| Education | Northwestern Michigan College Ferris State University (BSW) |
Betsy Coffia is an American politician serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 103rd district. Elected in November 2022, she assumed office on January 1, 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Early life and education
[edit]Coffia was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, on September 7, 1977, and was raised in Rapid City, Michigan.[1][2] She earned an Associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College and a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) from Ferris State University.[3][4]
Career
[edit]Coffia began her career as a newspaper reporter in 1997, and worked for six years as a weekly newspaper editor.[2] After receiving a degree from Ferris State University, she became a Head Start social worker.[3]
In 2016, Coffia ran for Michigan's 104th district, but lost to incumbent Larry Inman. In 2018, Coffia successfully ran for a seat in the Grand Traverse County Commission, having flipped a district with a multi-term Republican incumbent. She was re-elected in 2020. In 2020, while serving on the Grand Traverse County commission, Coffia underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.[5]
In 2022, Coffia ran for the newly redrawn 103rd district, and won, defeating Republican Jack O'Malley, who was then serving from the 101st district.[6]
In 2024, Coffia won renomination in the Democratic primary, and was endorsed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and EMILY's List.[7] Coffia won reelection, defeating Republican challenger Lisa Trombley.[8]
Political positions
[edit]Coffia supports protecting reproductive rights and voting rights. In addition, she supports public education and fighting climate change.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Legislator Details - Legislators". mdoe.state.mi.us. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "I was a 19-year-old newspaper reporter". Betsy Coffia. February 3, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "BETSY'S BACKGROUND". Betsy Coffia. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ "Meet Rep. Coffia". housedems.com. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ Link, Mardi (July 16, 2020). "Coffia undergoes surgery; well-wishers raise funds". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ "Michigan State House - District 103 Election Results | Detroit Free Press". www.freep.com. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "State Representative | Betsy Coffia for 103rd State House | Michigan". Betsy Coffia. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ "2024 MI General Election Results - State House District 103". Detroit Free Press. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- Living people
- People from Valparaiso, Indiana
- People from Kalkaska County, Michigan
- People from Traverse City, Michigan
- Democratic Party members of the Michigan House of Representatives
- Northwestern Michigan College
- Ferris State University alumni
- 21st-century American legislators
- 21st-century American women politicians
- Women state legislators in Michigan
- 1977 births