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Rebecca Amidon
From Ballotpedia
Rebecca Amidon (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Michigan State Senate to represent District 32. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Amidon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Rebecca Amidon was born in Warsaw, Indiana. She graduated from Warsaw Community High School. She earned an associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College in 2012, a bachelor's degree from the Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2016, and a graduate degree from Trine University in 2019. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor.[1]
Amidon has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter
- NoMi Forest Explorers
- Manistee County Democratic Party
- Michigan Early On
- Northwest Regional Child Care Planning Coalition
Elections
2026
See also: Michigan State Senate elections, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Michigan State Senate District 32
Rebecca Amidon and Kim Cole are running in the general election for Michigan State Senate District 32 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Rebecca Amidon (D)  | |
| Kim Cole (R) | ||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Rebecca Amidon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Amidon's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Rebecca Amidon lives nestled in the Manistee National Forest with her husband Ryan and their two children Ace, 5, and Indigo, 2.
Rebecca has worked in higher education for over 10 years and is currently an adjunct communication professor at Mid Michigan College. She earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Trine University and her undergrad in Media and Public Communication from Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Rebecca is an advocate for children and families in North West Michigan serving as a member of the Michigan Northwest Regional Child Care Planning Coalition, and the Early On Steering Committee. Rebecca and her family traveled to Washington DC in 2024 to participate in Strolling Thunder where they were able to speak directly to Michigan lawmakers about the national childcare crisis.
Rebecca has served as the Vice Chair of the Manistee County Democratic Party from 2021-2024 and is the current Vice President of a children’s nonprofit, NoMi Forest Explorers, that offers nature-based educational experiences for children of all ages in Manistee County.- Affordable Child Care: Supporting Working Families, Strengthening Communities
Child care issues result in an estimated $2.88 billion annual loss for Michigan’s economy, significant strain and missed opportunities for working parents. Children deserve a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow. Every parent deserves the opportunity to work or pursue education without being held back by the high cost or inaccessibility of quality child care.
Child care is infrastructure. When families can access affordable, quality child care, parents, especially mothers, can work, businesses can thrive, and children are better prepared for school and life. Investing in child care is investing in our future. - Protecting Our Outdoors: Hunting, Land, and Environment Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are deeply rooted in North West MI. I strongly support the rights of hunters, anglers, and responsible firearm owners. I will fight to protect access to public lands, keep hunting seasons science-based, and ensure the DNR has the resources it needs to manage wildlife populations and preserve healthy ecosystems. We must stand up to polluters, whether it’s corporate agriculture contaminating groundwater or developers threatening wetlands. And we must hold Lansing accountable when it tries to cut corners at the expense of our environment and outdoor access.
- Health Care That Works, for Everyone In Michigan’s 32nd District, access to health care is a growing crisis. Too many rural families are driving hours for basic services or going without care entirely. The status quo isn’t working. I will fight for a progressive healthcare system that puts people over profits. I support using state funds to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid delivery, expanding access to primary care, urgent care, and mental health services, increasing access to substance abuse treatment and recovery services, and expanding access to prenatal and postnatal care, and supporting birthing centers in rural areas. Health care is a human right, not a privilege tied to where you live or how much you earn.
I’m passionate about public policies that strengthen families and give every child a fair start from affordable childcare and strong public education to paid family leave and accessible healthcare. I believe investing in families and caregivers builds stronger communities and a more equitable future for everyone.
I look up to leaders who combine integrity, compassion, and a commitment to tangible results. One example is Senator Debbie Stabenow, who has consistently balanced advocacy for Michigan families, workers, and the environment with a willingness to work across party lines when necessary. I admire her dedication to listening to constituents, making data-driven decisions, and acting with transparency and accountability.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and empathy. Leaders should listen deeply to their communities, make decisions based on facts and fairness, and have the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s not politically easy. Public service is about trust, and that trust is earned through honesty and transparency.
Someone elected to the Michigan State Senate has both formal legal duties and moral responsibilities to serve their constituents and the state as a whole. Formally, they must participate in the legislative process: introducing, debating, amending, and voting on bills to make, change, or repeal state law.
Beyond those formal duties, Senators should be accessible and responsive to their constituents: listening, communicating clearly, and bringing local concerns to Lansing. They should act with integrity, transparency, and with a focus on long-term welfare making decisions not just for political gain but with regard to equity, sustainability, and justice. A strong state senator balances policy expertise, moral courage, and an abiding service ethic.
Beyond those formal duties, Senators should be accessible and responsive to their constituents: listening, communicating clearly, and bringing local concerns to Lansing. They should act with integrity, transparency, and with a focus on long-term welfare making decisions not just for political gain but with regard to equity, sustainability, and justice. A strong state senator balances policy expertise, moral courage, and an abiding service ethic.
The legacy I hope to leave is one of meaningful, lasting impact on people’s everyday lives and a Michigan where families have access to quality healthcare and early childhood education, workers earn a living wage, and communities thrive because their voices were heard in Lansing. I want to be remembered as a leader who listened first, acted with integrity, and built bridges across differences to get things done.
The first historical event I remember was 9/11 when I was in eighth grade. I remember sitting in my morning science class, when the teachers rolled in the TV cart and let us watch the events unfolding live on air. I remember watching the second plane hit the towers as people jumped out of buildings. Most students went outside to the playground, however I sat with 2-3 other students and our teachers as we watched the TV for hours. This event stuck in my mind as a pivotal moment in our country's history. I did not know then how it would change the trajectory of our country, but I knew it was a critical moment where many of Americans had lost their lives.
I began babysitting at the young age of 12 years old. When I turned 15 I worked at a coffee shop until I turned 16 years old where I then worked for Papa John's Pizza until I graduated high school. I also took part in my high school's co-op program where I interned at a local radio station in the afternoons before clocking in at Papa John's Pizza in the evenings.
I am a voracious reader, often reading 4-5 books at once. My favorite fantasy books would be the Southern Vampire Series as I named my dog Sookie Stackhouse. I enjoy fantasy books, because they offer an exploration of imagination in extraordinary circumstances as well as empowerment and a sense of wonder and discovery.
The struggles I have faced in life have taught me perseverance, grit and determination. When I couldn't afford a college education, I found a way to pay for my schooling by working at every college I attended as a secretary or assistant in some capacity for free or reduced tuition. I worked multiple jobs while attending school full time whether it was working in hair salons, driving for Uber, or Door Dashing. This has instilled a robust work ethic allowing me to tackle any obstacle I face.
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be one of collaboration, accountability, and mutual respect. Effective governance depends on communication and partnership. The governor should provide a clear vision for the state and work transparently with legislators to achieve shared goals, while the legislature should serve as both a partner and a check, ensuring that policies reflect the will of the people. Healthy tension between the two branches is essential for balance, but gridlock and partisanship should never outweigh the public good. When both sides engage in open dialogue, respect differing perspectives, and seek common ground, Michigan’s government can deliver real progress for the benefit of all residents.
Michigan's greatest challenges over the next decade will include:
1. Healthcare access and affordability, particularly as Michigan’s population ages and more residents rely on Medicaid and long-term care. Expanding mental health services and addressing healthcare deserts in rural regions will be essential.
2. Education and childcare are critical to the state’s long-term success. Michigan must invest in early childhood education, strengthen K–12 schools, and make higher education and skilled trades more accessible.
It’s not always beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics because real change often comes from people with fresh perspectives and lived experience outside the political system. Career politicians can become insulated from the everyday challenges their constituents face, relying on partisan habits or political calculations rather than common sense and community needs. New voices bring firsthand understanding of how policies actually affect people’s lives. They are often more grounded, innovative, and willing to question the status quo. Without political baggage, they can focus on problem-solving rather than power or party. Public service should be about representation and results, not résumé-building or climbing the political ladder.
Building relationships with other legislators is essential to being an effective lawmaker. Progress in government depends on collaboration, trust, and the ability to find common ground. Strong relationships make it easier to share ideas, negotiate differences, and pass meaningful legislation that serves the public good. Even when legislators disagree, mutual respect and open communication help maintain civility and prevent gridlock.
I look to legislators who combine courage, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving their communities rather than advancing personal or partisan agendas. One example is Senator Debbie Stabenow, who has balanced strong advocacy for Michigan’s families, workers, and environment with a willingness to work across party lines when necessary. She demonstrates the importance of listening to constituents, making data-driven decisions, and maintaining transparency in her work.
My focus right now is on serving Michigan’s 32nd District in the State Senate, where I can make a meaningful impact on local communities and state policy. While I remain dedicated to public service and improving lives, any consideration of future offices would come only after fully understanding the responsibilities I hold today and ensuring I have delivered results for the people I represent.
Due to recent cuts in the Michigan State budget, I have heard from three people who have lost their job in the early childhood education sector. These budget cuts not only affect educators' livelihoods but also impact the quality of education and care provided to young children. Programs may face elimination, reduced resources, and limited access to early learning opportunities, which are crucial for children's cognitive and social development.
Yes, the legislature should oversee and grant the use of emergency powers to ensure a balance between swift action and accountability. While governors may need temporary authority to respond quickly to crises like natural disasters, public health emergencies, or infrastructure failures, unchecked power can risk overreach or abuse. Legislative oversight provides transparency, sets clear limits, and ensures that emergency measures remain proportionate, time-bound, and focused on protecting public safety. By granting, reviewing, and renewing emergency powers as needed, the legislature helps maintain public trust, upholds democratic principles, and ensures that extraordinary powers are exercised responsibly and only when truly necessary.
If elected, the first bill I would introduce would focus on expanding access to early childhood education and affordable childcare across Michigan. High-quality early education is foundational to children’s long-term success, yet too many families, particularly in rural and low-income areas, struggle to access it. This legislation would increase funding for programs like Great Start Collaborative, provide support for childcare providers, and create incentives for local communities to develop accessible, affordable early learning centers. By investing in children and families from the start, we strengthen our workforce, reduce educational disparities, and build stronger, more resilient communities. This bill reflects my belief that public policy should prioritize opportunities for all residents to thrive, ensuring Michigan’s next generation has the tools they need for success.
I support reforms to Michigan's ballot initiative process to enhance transparency, accountability, and voter understanding. I have concerns about the clarity and accessibility of the information provided to voters. I would like to see state-funded public education campaigns to educate voters about the ballot initiative process and the specific proposals on upcoming ballots, promoting informed civic participation.
When Michigan cut funding for the Great Start Collaborative, a program that strengthens community and provides vital early education for families with infants and toddlers, I heard heartbreaking stories from working mothers who lost their jobs in the early childhood education sector. Many shared how, as new mothers, they had relied on Great Start events and activities to help lift them out of postpartum depression and isolation. These programs not only offered support and connection but also gave their children critical early learning experiences and the chance to form meaningful relationships at a formative age. For these families, the loss of funding was more than a professional setback, it was a disruption to the very foundation of community, connection, and early childhood development that they had come to depend on. Great Start Collaborative meant so much to these women that they found employment with these programs in order to give back what they had received when their children were young.
I am proud of earning my master's degree in Organizational Leadership. I struggled in K-12 academically and often found myself in remedial classes while other students were able to take elective courses like art, gym, and shop classes. It wasn't until I returned to school as an adult, where I discovered my true learning style which allowed me to thrive academically. It was my local community college that took the time to assist me with understanding HOW to learn and the professors and staff gave me the second chance I needed to be successful in life. This inspired me to give back in the same way, which is why I am a community college professor.
If elected to the Michigan State Senate, I would prioritize legislation that further strengthens election integrity, enhances voter access, and ensures transparency in the electoral process.
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
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate Michigan State Senate District 32 |
Personal |
Footnotes
Current members of the Michigan State Senate
Senators
District 1
Erika Geiss (D)
District 2
Sylvia Santana (D)
District 3
Stephanie Chang (D)
District 4
Darrin Camilleri (D)
District 5
Dayna Polehanki (D)
District 6
Mary Cavanagh (D)
District 7
Jeremy Moss (D)
District 8
Mallory McMorrow (D)
District 9
Michael Webber (R)
District 10
Paul Wojno (D)
District 11
District 12
Kevin Hertel (D)
District 13
Rosemary Bayer (D)
District 14
Sue Shink (D)
District 15
Jeff Irwin (D)
District 16
Joseph Bellino (R)
District 17
Jonathan Lindsey (R)
District 18
Thomas Albert (R)
District 19
Sean McCann (D)
District 20
Aric Nesbitt (R)
District 21
Sarah Anthony (D)
District 22
Lana Theis (R)
District 23
Jim Runestad (R)
District 24
Ruth Johnson (R)
District 25
Dan Lauwers (R)
District 26
Kevin Daley (R)
District 27
John Cherry (D)
District 28
Sam Singh (D)
District 29
Winnie Brinks (D)
District 30
Mark Huizenga (R)
District 31
Roger Victory (R)
District 32
Jon Bumstead (R)
District 33
Rick Outman (R)
District 34
Roger Hauck (R)
District 35
Vacant
District 36
Michele Hoitenga (R)
District 37
John Damoose (R)
District 38
Ed McBroom (R)
Democratic Party (19)
Republican Party (18)
Vacancies (1)
