DCCC - Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Mark has dedicated his life to serving those around him and valuing hard work. Growing up in the mid-Michigan area, the son of a public school teacher and nurse, he learned at an early age that contributing to your community and ensuring opportunities for everyone were important priorities.

That's why Mark decided after earning his degree from Albion College he would pursue a career in the community services field. As the executive director of the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan and coordinator for the Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council, he was responsible for making sure children had access to early education programs like Head Start and that people struggling with energy and health care bills had somewhere to turn.

Mark's involvement in the community made him a natural choice to serve on the Battle Creek City Commission and eventually the State Legislature. He began his service in Lansing by defeating an incumbent Republican Representative in 1996. Mark has earned a reputation as a fierce campaigner and independent voice, someone not afraid to work hard and take on challenges in traditionally Republican districts.

Following his re-election to the State Senate last year, Mark was chosen by his colleagues to serve as the Senate Democratic Leader. In this position, as he has throughout his public service career, Mark has been a consistent advocate for quality schools, early childhood development, job training and economic development, and access to health care. He has been a strong voice during Michigan's budget crisis for a long-term solution that makes difficult cuts and reforms, but also allows us to invest in our future and protect services that make our communities strong. He has also worked hard to provide neighborhood and community safety through community-oriented policing, to protect consumers and small businesses, and to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.

If you live in, or even near, Mark's district, you've probably had a chance to talk with him on your front porch or run into him at the coffee shop. The very definition of a "people person," Mark is always willing to listen to what someone thinks about an issue or hear their idea for fixing a problem.

When he's not working on one of these challenges, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, his three stepchildren, and his brand new grandson. You'll also find that he rarely misses his morning jog with his two dogs, Sheila and Shep. Family is important to Mark, and that is another reason he will always work in Congress to make sure that those in south central Michigan have someone standing up for them.