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Brenda Carter (Michigan)
2023 - Present
2027
2
Brenda Carter (Democratic Party) is a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing District 53. She assumed office on January 1, 2023. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027.
Carter (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Michigan House of Representatives to represent District 53. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Biography
Brenda Carter lives in Pontiac, Michigan. Carter earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in public administration. Her career experience includes working as a grant writer and a fiscal consultant. Carter has been affiliated with the Council of Urban Boards of Education, the National School Board Association, and the Oakland County School Board Association.[1]
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023-2024
Carter was assigned to the following committees:
- Health Policy Committee
- Financial Services Committee, Chair
- Tax Policy Committee (decommissioned)
- Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (decommissioned)
2021-2022
Carter was assigned to the following committees:
- Education Committee
- Families, Children, and Seniors Committee
- Insurance Committee, Minority vice-chair
2019-2020
Carter was assigned to the following committees:
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2024
See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 53
Incumbent Brenda Carter defeated Melissa 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 |
| Melissa Schultz (R) | 34.1 | 13,189 | ||
| Total votes: 38,621 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53
Incumbent Brenda 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 |
| Total votes: 6,962 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53
Melissa Schultz advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Melissa Schultz | 100.0 | 2,473 | |
| Total votes: 2,473 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Campaign finance
Endorsements
Carter received the following endorsements.
- IBEW Local 58 - Detroit
- Michigan AFL-CIO
- Michigan League of Conservation Voters
2022
See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 53
Incumbent Brenda Carter defeated Anthony 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 |
| Anthony Bartolotta (R) | 32.6 | 9,092 | ||
| Total votes: 27,921 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53
Incumbent Brenda 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 |
| Total votes: 7,984 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53
Anthony Bartolotta advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 53 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Anthony Bartolotta | 100.0 | 3,463 | |
| Total votes: 3,463 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
2020
See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 29
Incumbent Brenda Carter defeated S. 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 |
| S. Dave Sullivan (R) | 27.1 | 10,079 | ||
| Total votes: 37,178 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29
Incumbent Brenda 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 |
| Total votes: 10,908 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29
S. Dave Sullivan defeated Vernon Molnar in the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | S. Dave Sullivan | 56.5 | 1,672 | |
 | Vernon Molnar | 43.5 | 1,286 | |
| Total votes: 2,958 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
2018
General election
Brenda Carter defeated Timothy Carrier in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on November 6, 2018.
General election
General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 29
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Brenda Carter (D) | 74.1 | 19,964 |
| Timothy Carrier (R) | 25.9 | 6,974 | ||
| Total votes: 26,938 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on August 7, 2018.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Brenda Carter | 30.7 | 3,075 |
| Kermit Williams | 24.7 | 2,477 | ||
| Chris Jackson | 16.3 | 1,636 | ||
| Kone Bowman | 15.5 | 1,555 | ||
| Keyon Payton | 9.7 | 969 | ||
| Mike Demand | 3.2 | 319 | ||
| Total votes: 10,031 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Timothy Carrier advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29 on August 7, 2018.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 29
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Timothy Carrier | 100.0 | 2,682 | |
| Total votes: 2,682 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Brenda Carter did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
2022
Brenda Carter did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Brenda Carter did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Brenda Carter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Carter's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1. Equitable funding for education 2. Protecting our environment and infrastructure 3. 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. Honesty 2. Accountability 3. 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.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Michigan scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2024
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show]. |
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In 2024, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 10 to December 23.
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2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 11 to November 14.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 12 to December 28.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 13 to December 31.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 8 to December 31.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 9 through December 31.
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Michigan House of Representatives District 53 |
Officeholder Michigan House of Representatives District 53 |
Personal |
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Yousef Rabhi (D) |
Michigan House of Representatives District 53 2023-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by Tim Greimel (D) |
Michigan House of Representatives District 29 2019-2023 |
Succeeded by James DeSana (R) |
