FUTR Votes
When donations are made through our tagged FUTR -MI Candidate Slate link, contributions go directly to each candidate’s campaign — either split evenly across all targeted races or customized by the donor to prioritize specific candidates. Importantly, each campaign is able to see that the contribution was driven by FUTR Action - MI, reinforcing the collective strength and visibility of our network.
This targeted approach ensures we are investing where it matters most — in competitive races, with candidates who will support our families, and where our engagement can directly shape outcomes.
In parallel to encouraging our networks to fund these specific campaigns, our team of parents and advocates is meeting with current lawmakers, political leadership, new candidates, and campaign managers to ensure the well-being of our families.
Candidate Slate Details
As we look toward driving a positive outcome this November, our strategy is focused on building real influence where it matters most.
Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House (58–52), while Democrats hold a slim edge in the Senate (20–18). The races below are central to maintaining and shifting that balance while protecting our children.
State House Focus
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Shannon Dare Wayne
HD-31 (Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne)
Shannon Dare Wayne is a public servant and lifelong Michigander who has served on the Milan City Council for more than 4 years and currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem, where she has helped deliver more than $7 million for wastewater treatment plant upgrades, parks, roads, and other community improvements while helping maintain a balanced budget and protect taxpayer dollars. Shannon is running for the Michigan House to bring practical, results-driven leadership to Lansing and lower costs, strengthen schools, improve infrastructure, protect health care, and fight for good-paying jobs in the 31st District. Learn more about Shannon Dare Wayne.
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Katrina Manetta
HD-58 (Macomb)
A lifelong Macomb County resident, Katrina Manetta is a community organizer who has spent years helping neighbors get informed, get involved, and speak up about the issues affecting their daily lives. Her work was recognized with the Bayard Rustin Strategist Award at Michigan United’s 2026 MLK Celebration, an award that celebrates organizers who build people power and advance justice in their communities. A working-class candidate who worked as a server for eight years, Katrina has lived the challenges faced by the families in her community and aims to bring a new generation of leadership to Lansing that is focused on practical solutions, accountability, and making government work better for the people it’s supposed to serve. Learn more about Katrina Manetta.
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Denise Mentzer
HD-61 (Macomb County)
A must-hold seat. We are engaged with Denise and confident she will be a strong advocate moving forward. Denise won in 2024 by a margin of 1.4%. Denise is a key leader in the House of Representatives and helps shape the caucus. Learn more about Denise Mentzer.
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Jim Haadsma
HD-44 (Battle Creek)
Jim Haadsma (D), the former representative who lost this seat in 2024, is well-positioned to reclaim this razor-thin district. In 2024 this district went to a recount and republicans won by only 79 votes. Learn more about Jim Haadsma.
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Jan Maino
HD-46 (Jackson)
Jan Maino, a licensed social worker, community volunteer, and current President of the East Jackson School Board is a strong candidate to flip this seat. This district is historically not as tight as the others, but there’s long been consensus that Democrats can win HD-46 if the right candidate was running. We believe Jan is that candidate, and with current GOP approval ratings low, and very strong support in the Washtenaw County portion of the district, this is the year. Learn more about Jan Maino.
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Joanna Whaley
HD-2 (Downriver)
Early support is critical ahead of absentee voting in June to build momentum and attract additional donors. Joanna is transgender and a strong advocate for the rights of our children. This seat is currently held by democrats by Tulio Liberati, who won by 9.4% in 2024, but Tulio is vacating this seat for his senate run. Representation in government is key to transgender rights and showing our children they belong in Michigan. Learn more about Joanna Whaley.
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Anna Aho Rink
HD-109 (Marquette/Upper Peninsula)
A key opportunity to once again establish representation in the UP with a strong advocate. Currently every house and senate district in the UP is held by republicans. Democrats held HD-109 for 70 years until republicans flipped this seat in 2024 by 2.6% due to significant Trump endorsed attacks and the republican candidate having name recognition as a local TV personality for 30 years. Anna Aho Rink is a Physician Assistant and worked at the Planned Parenthood Marquette Health Center before federal cuts forced its closure. Learn more about Anna Aho Rink.
State Senate Focus
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Sen. Kevin Hertel (D)
SD-12 (Wayne/Macomb County)
A critical hold to maintain Senate control. Kevin won by only 0.4% in 2024, or a total of 404 votes out of 124K+ ballots. Kevin’s brother Curtis Hertel is currently the Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. Supporting Hertel is key to holding the senate and ensuring our voices are heard in Michigan. Both Kevin and Curtis are strong advocates for the transgender and non-binary community. Learn more about Kevin Hertel.
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Rep. Carol Glanville (D)
SD-30 (Grand Rapids)
Rep. Carol Glanville (D) is in a highly competitive, winnable district. Carol is currently a well-liked politician in the Michigan state house. In 2024 Mark Huizenga (R) won this district with a margin of only 391 votes out of ~130K ballots cast. She will continue to support LGBTQ+ rights if elected to the senate. Learn more about Carol Glanville.
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Chedrick Greene (D)
SD-35 (Saginaw/Midland)
A must-win seat to retain strength following a recent vacancy with Kristin McDonald Rivet’s successful bid for the US House of Representatives. We supported Chedrick prior to the special election in early May, where he won by an outstanding margin. Chedrick is a decorated US Marine, fire department captain, and strong supporter of freedoms for all Michiganders, including the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about Chedrick Greene.