IncumbentBrenda Carter defeatedMelissa Schultz in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brenda Carter (D)	65.9	25,432
	Submit photo	Melissa Schultz (R)	34.1	13,189

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 38,621
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IncumbentBrenda Carter advanced from the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brenda Carter	100.0	6,962

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,962
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Melissa Schultz advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Melissa Schultz	100.0	2,473

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,473
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IncumbentBrenda Carter defeatedAnthony Bartolotta in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brenda Carter (D)	67.4	18,829
	Submit photo	Anthony Bartolotta (R)	32.6	9,092

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27,921
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IncumbentBrenda Carter advanced from the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on August 2, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brenda Carter	100.0	7,984

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,984
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Anthony Bartolotta advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on August 2, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Anthony Bartolotta	100.0	3,463

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,463
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IncumbentBrenda Carter defeatedS. Dave Sullivan in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brenda Carter (D)	72.9	27,099
	Submit photo	S. Dave Sullivan (R)	27.1	10,079

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,178
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IncumbentBrenda Carter advanced from the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brenda Carter	100.0	10,908

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,908
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S. Dave Sullivan defeatedVernon Molnar in the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	S. Dave Sullivan	56.5	1,672
		Vernon Molnar	43.5	1,286

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,958
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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Equitable funding for education2. Protecting our environment and infrastructure3. Economic and community development

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I would like to see equitable funding for education. Why? I spent the last eight years as an elected board member. I've seen the atrocities in the classroom due to lack of funding.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look to Roberta Stanley for education policies. Mrs. Stanley has comprehensive and systemic knowledge of education on the local, state, and national level.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

1. Honesty2. Accountability3. Reliability

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I try my best to be responsive to the needs of my constituents. I am empathetic, and I have the propensity to adapt and learn in diverse environments.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To assist in developing policies that would appropriate needed funds to their constituents. Also, to work collaboratively across the aisle to ensure that all Michigan residents are represented.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to state I did all I could to provide a quality, equitable education for Michigan's children.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was 9.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at the Post Office. I held it one year before being hired by General Motors.

What happened on your most awkward date?

I found out my date (future husband) had the same make and model of car, worked at the same plant, and had the same Budweiser mug!

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

New Year's Eve. Why? Because I can say goodbye to the past and hello to the future within sixty seconds.

What is your favorite book? Why?

SHE by Robert A. Johnson. Why? Because it delves into understand the feminine psychology.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would be a muse. Why? Because muses are inspirational beings.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Imagine by John Lennon.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I struggle with being an overachiever.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The most significant difference is the length of service mandated by term limits. The House of Representatives has two-year terms and the Senate has six. Term limits prohibit proficiency.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely!

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

The biggest challenge in Michigan is providing quality, equitable education to all children. Educational opportunities include K-12, community and four-year colleges and universities, and career and technical apprenticeships for professional development.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

I believe the most critical relationship between the governor and the legislature is to create a friendly, collaborative working relationship that keeps the needs of Michigan residents in focus.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. There will be times when a vote will require support from the opposing party. It is at those times when trust through working across the aisle will help promote an atmosphere of collaboration.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I feel the people should have the final say in redistricting free of political influences.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes. I would like to be a part of the education, economic, and environmental and infrastructure committees.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would be interested in serving in any position that would benefit my party.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Representative Tim Greimel

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I am open to all options.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes. I am very happy to see the progress of public school districts in poverty district that are excelling despite their challenges.