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Diane Young (Michigan)

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Diane Young
Image of Diane Young
Elections and appointments
Last election

August 6, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Stony Brook University

Personal
Birthplace
Royal Oak, Mich.
Profession
Financial planner
Contact

Diane Young was a 2016 Democratic candidate for District 36 of the Michigan House of Representatives.

Biography

Diane Young grew up in Macomb, Michigan, and lives in Rochester, Michigan. She graduated from Romeo High School in 1983. Young earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Oakland University in 1986 and a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Stony Brook University in 1991. Her career experience includes working as a director of financial planning at AXA Advisors, was the president and owner of The Athena Financial Group, and worked as a managing partner at Arrowroot Family Office. Young's volunteering experience includes being treasurer for the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, on the board of the Financial Planning Association, and being on the education committee of the Financial Planning Association.[1][2]

Elections

2024

See also: Michigan's 10th Congressional District election, 2024

Michigan's 10th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 6 Democratic primary)

Michigan's 10th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 6 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Michigan District 10

Incumbent John James defeated Carl Marlinga, Andrea Kirby, and Mike Saliba in the general election for U.S. House Michigan District 10 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John James
John James (R)
 
51.1
 
217,437
Image of Carl Marlinga
Carl Marlinga (D)
 
45.0
 
191,363
Image of Andrea Kirby
Andrea Kirby (Working Class Party)
 
2.6
 
11,162
Image of Mike Saliba
Mike Saliba (L)
 
1.3
 
5,339

Total votes: 425,301
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Michigan District 10

Carl Marlinga defeated Diane Young, Tiffany Tilley, and Emily Busch in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Michigan District 10 on August 6, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Carl Marlinga
Carl Marlinga
 
48.8
 
32,561
Image of Diane Young
Diane Young Candidate Connection
 
24.4
 
16,282
Image of Tiffany Tilley
Tiffany Tilley
 
13.3
 
8,861
Image of Emily Busch
Emily Busch Candidate Connection
 
12.8
 
8,541
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.7
 
464

Total votes: 66,709
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Michigan District 10

Incumbent John James advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Michigan District 10 on August 6, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John James
John James
 
100.0
 
52,871

Total votes: 52,871
Candidate Connection = 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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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Michigan District 10

Mike Saliba advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Michigan District 10 on July 20, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Mike Saliba
Mike Saliba (L)

Candidate Connection = 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.

Working Class Party convention

Working Class Party convention for U.S. House Michigan District 10

Andrea Kirby advanced from the Working Class Party convention for U.S. House Michigan District 10 on June 23, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Andrea Kirby
Andrea Kirby (Working Class Party)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Young's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Young in this election.

2016

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the Michigan House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was April 19, 2016.

Incumbent Peter Lucido defeated Diane Young in the Michigan House of Representatives District 36 general election.[3]

Michigan House of Representatives, District 36 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Peter Lucido Incumbent 71.84% 33,293
     Democratic Diane Young 28.16% 13,048
Total Votes 46,341
Source: Michigan Secretary of State


Diane Young ran unopposed in the Michigan House of Representatives District 36 Democratic primary.[4][5]

Michigan House of Representatives, District 36 Democratic Primary, 2016
Party Candidate
    Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Diane Young  (unopposed)


Incumbent Peter Lucido ran unopposed in the Michigan House of Representatives District 36 Republican primary.[4][5]

Michigan House of Representatives, District 36 Republican Primary, 2016
Party Candidate
    Republican Green check mark transparent.png Peter Lucido Incumbent (unopposed)

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Diane Young completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Young's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am a fiduciary financial planner, and I am running for the same reasons I became a financial planner in the first place: to help working class families succeed and to help them create an environment where they can pursue their dreams. Trust, integrity, and service have always been my core values since I began my career. I started out with a folding table and phonebook and grew my business into one of the largest woman-owned financial planning firms in the state. I have seen firsthand how reckless policymaking in Washington has adversely impacted working-class families and small businesses. I am committed to tackling our toughest problems: protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending reproductive freedom, fighting climate change, streamlining our tax code to give middle class families a break while ensuring that corporations pay their fair share.
  • I am committed to protecting Social Security. As a fiduciary financial planner, I understand how Social Security is the bedrock to retirement. I wholly support fully funding the program. I am committed to fighting any effort to raise the retirement age because doing so will significantly hurt working-class families that rely on their retirement benefits.
  • No politician, attorney general, or judge should be in your doctor’s office with you. I support reproductive freedom and I will do everything in my power to enshrine Roe v. Wade into law. I will support legislation that protects access to safe and reliable medications, contraceptives, and IVF treatments.
  • We need to protect our democracy by holding big corporations accountable. As a fiduciary financial planner, I work for my clients not for Wall Street. I believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant, and I support passage of legislation that ends Citizens United and eliminates dark money from our political process. I will go after corporations that aren’t paying their fair share and I will do everything in my power to help protect consumers in Congress.
I am most passionate about tax policy because it allows me to apply the financial planning knowledge I’ve gained over the last 30 years. Through our tax code, we can address a majority of the issues we are facing, whether it’s eliminating archaic subsidies for oil and gas, creating investment opportunities for green energy, promoting continued infrastructure investment, or funding government programs and agencies so that bad actors don’t game the system.
The writings and letters of Benjamin Franklin are remarkable because he was not only a brilliant political strategist and founding father, but also funny, gracious, and well-traveled. He loved engaging in deep conversations with people and was willing to work with those who disagreed with him.
I firmly believe that the title of Representative defines one's role. To truly represent your community, you must live in it. A representative should listen to their constituents, hold outreach events within the district, and provide excellent service.
To do everything they can to help their constituents and improve their lives for the better.
Diane Young by Vampire Weekend (my team constantly plays it in the office).
The United States faces several significant challenges over the next decade, including campaign finance reform, funding Social Security, reducing the deficit, protecting reproductive freedom, and combating climate change.
I have always believed that the ballot box is the best form of term limits, but since the Citizens United decision, dark money in politics has corrupted the process. I think reforming campaign finance would be a more effective solution than imposing term limits. However, I do support term limits for the Supreme Court, as justices are currently appointed for life.
We have some great role models right from our own state, John Dingell was an amazing public servant. Senator Peters has been a great leader, working across the aisle to get critical legislation passed, and Haley Stevens, who brings so much energy to everything she does has been a great role model for me.
As I travel across this district, some of the most touching stories I hear are about health care. People who have been denied coverage for an illness or can’t afford health insurance. Parents with severely handicapped children who will require 24-hour care for the rest of their lives. As a nation, we are failing them. I know we can do better, and those are the people I am fighting for.
Ways and Means, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Budget, and the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and the government should be as transparent as possible, with no one above the law. In Congress, I would support efforts to make the government more transparent and accountable for its actions. It's imperative that citizens can see how their money is being spent and who is influencing elections.

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 website

Young’s campaign website stated the following:

SOCIAL SECURITY

As a financial planner, I see how important Social Security and Medicare are to providing a secure retirement. We must continue to live up to the promise that after paying into these programs, they will be there for us when we retire. While Washington Republicans have a decades long history of trying to privatize or gut these critical programs, I will work to ensure seniors who rely on social security have them when they need it most.

We can do this by making sure that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share of taxes into the program. Our lax accountability system is allowing many of them not to pay their fair share into the program.

In addition, we need to benchmark how much of social security is being taxed as income as the system currently is putting the burden on the shoulders of lower earning retirees instead of the extremely wealthy.

REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM

It is simple, women should have absolute autonomy when it comes to their bodies. The sanctity of the doctor’s office must remain untouched by governmental interference or political influence. I’m committed to fiercely safeguarding reproductive freedom, steadfast against the relentless onslaught of extreme Republican assaults, which even extend to the audacious attempt of imposing a national abortion ban.

Yet, our commitment to women’s health must extend beyond defending reproductive rights. We must address the stark racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, ensuring that women of color receive the care and support they deserve. Additionally, we must champion comprehensive policies that guarantee maternity leave, recognizing the vital importance of nurturing both the physical and emotional well-being of mothers and their newborns.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Ukraine

Providing funding to Ukraine is not merely an act of financial assistance; it’s a declaration of solidarity with a nation fighting for its sovereignty and democratic values. In the face of Russian aggression and encroachment, Ukraine stands as a bulwark for the principles of democracy, freedom, and self-determination. By offering support, we affirm our commitment to upholding these values globally. Moreover, standing by democracies battling against authoritarian regimes is crucial for maintaining the stability and integrity of the international order. Democracies serve as beacons of hope, inspiring others to strive for governance based on the rule of law, human rights, and accountability. In supporting Ukraine and similar nations, we reinforce the notion that the world’s future should be shaped by the will of its people, not the ambitions of autocrats.


Israel

The United States and Israel share an unbreakable bond rooted in our commitment to democracy, regional security, and economic prosperity. I pledge to strengthen ties between our nations and support Israel’s right to self-defense and security. I advocate for a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian relations, oppose unilateral actions hindering peace, and endorse continued aid to both Israel and innocent Palestinians. We must do everything in our power to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is ended. I believe diplomacy is key to preventing further conflict in the region and I strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms.

UNIONS

Growing up in a household deeply rooted in union values, I’ve witnessed firsthand the indispensable role that unions play in safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers nationwide. Through their tireless efforts, unions have secured equitable wages, ensured workplace safety, and fought for essential benefits, benefiting millions of hardworking individuals. As a fervent champion of workers’ rights, I staunchly uphold the principles of collective bargaining and recognize the critical significance of bolstering unions.

Unions serve as a vital platform for workers to unite and advocate for improved pay, benefits, and working conditions. They empower workers to assert their rights, fostering an environment where they are shielded from unfair treatment and exploitation. Through collective action, workers can confront issues such as discrimination, harassment, and hazardous work environments, fostering a workplace that prioritizes safety and fairness for all.

Moreover, unions are instrumental in addressing the pervasive issue of income inequality. By advocating for equitable wages and benefits, regardless of background or occupation, unions contribute to narrowing the wage gap and promoting economic justice. The ripple effects of their advocacy extend beyond individual workers, spurring economic growth and bolstering local communities.

In alignment with my unwavering support for workers’ rights, I wholeheartedly endorse the passage of the PRO Act. This transformative legislation fortifies the ability of workers to organize and collectively bargain, safeguarding their fundamental rights and advancing workplace fairness. By championing the PRO Act, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering workers and building a more just and prosperous society for all.

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Michigan is blessed with the beauty of the Great Lakes, stunning natural landscapes, and abundant natural resources. As a proud member of a family that values conservation, I have a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, and boating. Preserving our environment and ensuring the safety of our state and our families is of utmost importance to me.

I will prioritize the protection of our drinking water from harmful substances like PFAS and other toxic chemicals. Clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental right, and I am committed to taking action to address these threats and keep our communities healthy.

I am also deeply concerned about the urgent issue of climate change. We must act swiftly and decisively to curb its effects before it’s too late. I am dedicated to advocating for policies that promote renewable energy and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. By investing in a new energy economy and providing tax credits for renewable energy innovations, we can create good-paying jobs while also lowering the cost of energy for all.

I am a staunch defender of our Great Lakes. These magnificent bodies of water are not only a source of beauty and recreation but also a vital part of our ecosystem and economy. I will fight for policies that protect and preserve our Great Lakes for future generations.

By prioritizing environmental stewardship, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our natural resources, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Michigan and its residents.

COMMON SENSE GUN SAFETY

The tragic toll of gun violence reverberates across our nation, hitting close to home with recent incidents at Oxford High School and Michigan State University.

We cannot afford to remain complacent. Every child deserves to attend school without the specter of fear looming over them, yet our reality forces teachers and students to confront the unimaginable. This status quo is unacceptable. It’s imperative that we take decisive action to protect our communities.

That’s why I am committed to fighting for comprehensive measures to address gun violence. This includes implementing universal background checks, enacting red flag laws, and closing loopholes like those found at gun shows and in relationships where individuals pose a risk. Additionally, I advocate for a ban on assault weapons, weapons designed for maximum harm and devastation.

Moreover, it’s crucial that we tackle the mental health crisis gripping our communities. Our law enforcement officers and public safety professionals are on the front lines, contending with a myriad of mental health and substance abuse challenges in the line of duty. They require adequate resources and support to effectively address these issues and keep our communities safe. By investing in mental health services and providing the necessary resources, we can better equip our first responders to confront these challenges head-on.

HEALTH CARE

Access to affordable and high-quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every American. It is crucial that we ensure that every individual in our country has the opportunity to receive the healthcare they need. Unfortunately, many people in Michigan, especially seniors, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare due to the high cost. I am committed to supporting protections for pre-existing conditions and fighting against any attempts to roll back these essential safeguards.

Expanding access to healthcare should be a shared priority. However, instead of striving toward this goal, Republicans in Washington have concentrated on dismantling The Affordable Care Act. The ACA has been effective, and Congress should focus on enhancing and broadening its reach. The ACA is working, and it is essential for Congress to continue strengthening and expanding it. I believe in creating a public option and a Medicare buy-in to introduce more competition and coverage options in the healthcare marketplace.

Many seniors in Michigan are faced with the difficult choice of prioritizing essential needs over the cost of necessary medications. I support legislation aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs and allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, I support efforts to cap the cost of insulin. In Congress will work tirelessly to control prescription drug costs, cap the cost of insulin, expand access to telehealth, and promote research and innovation to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.

VETERANS

My father served in both World War II and The Korean War. I understand the special role that veterans play in our society. He was proud of his service and I will continue to honor those who were willing to lay down their lives to protect our freedom.

We must continue to support veterans who return from service with visible and unseen scars. This starts with ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs and our VA facilities are adequately serving our veterans with both their physical and mental health needs.

LGBT+ ISSUES

I am a lifelong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and believe LGBTQ+ individuals should have the same rights as all other Americans. We have witnessed incredible progress when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, including the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. However, I am extremely alarmed by the recent attacks that gay and transgender children are facing across our nation. Florida’s recently passed “Don’t Say Gay” bill, shows just how much work still has to be done. In Congress, I will support the LGBTQ+ community and be a voice for equality under the law.

IMMIGRATION

The metro Detroit region serves as a shining example of the positive impact of immigration. Our diverse community, made up of individuals from all corners of the globe, collaborates to strengthen our local economy. However, it is evident that our current immigration system is in dire need of comprehensive reform.

I would support measures aimed at securing our borders while also advocating for a pathway to citizenship for those who are already contributing to our society through their work, taxes, and even military service. Dreamers, who are American in every sense except on paper, deserve the opportunity to call the United States their permanent home, as it is the only home they have ever known.

Furthermore,I will support bipartisan proposals that seek to streamline the employment-based green card system, making it more accessible for highly skilled immigrants to come to the United States and contribute to our economy. By attracting and retaining talented individuals, we can foster innovation and drive economic growth.

It is crucial that we address the flaws in our immigration system and enact comprehensive reform that reflects our values as a nation of immigrants. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of our diverse population and build a stronger and more prosperous future for all. [6]

—Diane Young’s campaign website (2024)[7]

2016

Young's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[8]

Michigan faces many challenges, some because of a globalized economy and some challenges are simply self-inflicted. Due to a lack of governance and accountability, we have seen our state sink in stature. The Flint Water Crisis, the Detroit Bankruptcy, and the sabotaging of our school systems.

ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The recent road bill is not a step in the right direction. It was too little too late and place most of the burden on residents while allowing businesses to not pay their fair share. It robs more money from our schools which are already struggling. Overweight trucks are tearing up our roads and weight restrictions need to be enforced.

SCHOOLS

We need to fix our funding crisis for schools and give tools to the teachers so they can do their jobs, not make them the scape goat for all our children’s problems. Michigan is quickly declining because it has allowed business interest to drain our tax payer dollars away from kids to their pockets. We need to stop this immediately and return sensible governance to our educational system.

JOBS AND THE ECONOMY

I am committed to working to build a Michigan where families, young people and seniors can stay and succeed. Michigan politicians have put the burden on middle-class families to pay for their expensive handouts to corporations and the wealthy. It’s not the Michigan way, and it’s not working.

ENVIRONMENT

Michigan is home to 20 [percent] of the worlds fresh water. This is a valuable asset we need to protect as well as develop into the blue economy. Many interests would like to divert our water away from Michigan. We need to be vigilant in order to protect our future economy.

As a financial planner for over 25 years, I know how hard people work for their money. I know that they want their tax dollars properly spent. People want to live in a state where they can drive safely on a road, raise their children in safe communities with excellent schools. I am committed to representing them well in Lansing.[6]

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.


Diane Young campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Michigan District 10Lost primary$572,024 $569,284
Grand total$572,024 $569,284
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
Democratic Party (8)
Republican Party (7)



Current members of the Michigan House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Matt Hall
Minority Leader:Ranjeev Puri
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
Mai Xiong (D)
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28
District 29
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
District 42
Matt Hall (R)
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
District 48
District 49
District 50
District 51
District 52
District 53
District 54
District 55
District 56
District 57
District 58
District 59
District 60
District 61
District 62
District 63
District 64
District 65
District 66
District 67
District 68
District 69
District 70
District 71
District 72
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District 74
Kara Hope (D)
District 75
District 76
District 77
District 78
District 79
District 80
District 81
District 82
District 83
District 84
District 85
District 86
District 87
District 88
District 89
District 90
District 91
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District 93
Tim Kelly (R)
District 94
District 95
District 96
District 97
District 98
District 99
District 100
Tom Kunse (R)
District 101
District 102
District 103
District 104
John Roth (R)
District 105
District 106
District 107
District 108
District 109
District 110
Republican Party (58)
Democratic Party (52)