Meet Michael Howard
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My name is Michael Howard, and I’m proud to step forward as your Democratic candidate for Michigan’s State House. I’m not just running for a seat in Lansing; I’m running to build something lasting—a stronger home, a better future, and a community that works for everyone.
I was born in Detroit and raised near 7 Mile and Conant, a neighborhood that taught me grit, faith, and the power of community. I still remember walking to Mason Elementary in the snow, stopping at the corner store, and knowing every neighbor. My mom still lives in the house I grew up in, and every time I visit, I’m reminded that the foundation of who I am was built right here.
My younger sister was born with an extraordinarily rare and ultimately fatal medical condition. We couldn’t get her the healthcare she needed in Michigan, and she struggled to breathe in Detroit’s air. My mom made the difficult decision to move our family to Georgia so my sister could breathe easier and live. Even while living away, my heart never left Detroit. Each time I came home, I witnessed the slow decline of the city I loved, and I knew I couldn’t just watch. I had to help rebuild what had been lost.
After graduating from Truett McConnell University with a degree in Christian Studies, I came straight back to Michigan with no job lined up and no address—just a mission to serve and to build. I partnered with churches and nonprofits to rebuild homes after the floods in South Warren and Northeast Detroit, delivered fire-prevention supplies to more than 2,000 families, organized block parties and youth basketball clinics, helped feed hundreds of families in need, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local causes.
Along the way, I married the love of my life, Emma Leigh, and together we’re building a family—three amazing kids, two dogs, and a home here in Warren. I started Howard Family Designs, a small furniture business I built from my garage, where I’ve learned that craftsmanship, patience, and persistence are the same tools needed to build strong communities. I continue to serve on nonprofit boards focused on racial reconciliation, adoption, healthcare access, and neighborhood development because true change starts when we build together.
In 2024, I was elected to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, becoming the first Black man elected in Warren and only the second in county history. As Commissioner, I’ve worked to build safer, stronger neighborhoods by expanding access to mental-health care, improving public safety, and securing millions in infrastructure investment. We’ve rebuilt roads, strengthened our fire departments, improved care at our local hospital, and expanded programs that help prevent violence before it starts.
Now, I’m ready to take that work to Lansing. I’m running for State Representative to build a Michigan where families can thrive, workers can earn a living wage, homes are affordable, communities are safe, and every child has a future they can believe in.
My life’s mission is simple: to cultivate community and catalyze change. Detroit taught me resilience. Warren and Center Line taught me responsibility. Together, we can build a Michigan that honors where we’ve been and inspires where we’re going.
I’m asking for your vote, not for the sake of winning, but for the chance to continue building—brick by brick, block by block—the kind of future our children deserve. This campaign isn’t about me; it’s about us: your voice, your story, your hopes.
If you believe in that vision, join us. Visit www.VoteMichaelHoward.com/commit and make your commitment to vote. Together, we can mobilize 6,000 neighbors to build the change our community deserves.
Thank you for considering me as your choice for State Representative.
“Thank you for visiting my website and considering my campaign. I would be honored to have your support in this election. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Together, we can build a better Michigan.”
– Michael Howard, State Representative District 11