Winnie Brinks

Winnie Brinks
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 76th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2013
Preceded by Roy Schmidt
Personal details
Born February 17, 1968
Mount Vernon, Washington
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Steve
Children three
Residence Grand Rapids, Michigan
Alma mater Calvin College
Occupation Non-profit director
Website http://winniebrinks.com/

Winnie Brinks (born February 17, 1968 in Mount Vernon, Washington)[1] is a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, serving since 2013. Before serving in elected office, Brinks worked as an executive at a non-profit.[2] She serves as the Michigan Democratic Caucus Policy Chair.[3] In the Legislature she serves on the Workforce and Talent Development, Education, Health Policy, and Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committees.[1] She also serves as chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus, a non-profit organization that addresses concerns about women's health, pay equity, economic security and gender violence.[4]

Education and early career

Brinks earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Calvin College.[1] For several years she was Executive Director of One Way House Inc., a residential facility for non-violent female offenders.[5] She also was a caseworker at The Source, an employee support organization.[5][6]

Political career

Brinks was recruited to run for office after Roy Schmidt, who had previously held the seat as a Democrat, switched to the Republican Party at the filing deadline, leaving no legitimate Democratic candidate on the primary ballot. Brinks ran as a write-in candidate, exceeding the 1,000 required votes to win the primary. She then defeated Schmidt in the November general election.[7] In 2014, she was re-elected, defeating Republican challenger Donijo DeJonge and in 2016 defeated Republican challenger Casey J. O'Neill.[8]

Position Election Year Votes Opponent's
Votes		 Opponent
State Representative 2012 23,530 12,337 Roy Schmidt [9]
State Representative 2014 15,804 13,822 Donijo DeJonge[10]
State Representative 2016 27,046 18,473 Casey J. O'Neill[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Michigan Manual 2015-2016" (PDF). State of Michigan. p. 178. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  2. ↑ "Michigan's Newest Legislative Members". Michigan Capitol Confidential. 14 January 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "2015-2016 House Democratic Caucus Leadership". Michigan House Democrats. 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  4. ↑ "Legislative members of the Progressive Women's Caucus". 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  5. 1 2 Reynolds, Jennnifer (2014). "Rep. Winnie Brinks: Sharing Her Voice, Listening to Others". West Michigan Woman Magazine.
  6. ↑ "Our Mission". The Source. 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  7. ↑ Jackson, Angie (8 December 2012). "Winnie Brinks takes oath of office as Michigan's 76th District State Representative". MLive. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  8. 1 2 "2016 Michigan Election Results". Michigan Department of State. 28 November 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  9. ↑ "2012 Michigan Election Results". Michigan Department of State. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  10. ↑ "2014 Michigan Election Results". Michigan Department of State. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
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