State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet announced endorsements from three business groups – the Detroit Regional Chamber, Saginaw Chamber of Commerce and Black Economic Alliance PAC – on Monday in her campaign for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.
The leading business groups praised McDonald Rivet for her willingness to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle, her personal engagement with the business community, and her commitment to providing all Michigan residents with affordable paths to prosperity.
“Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet brings valuable experience as a bipartisan policy maker and from the private sector,” said Brad Williams, vice president of political affairs for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “That adds to her ability to understand employers’ needs.”
“As our state senator, Kristen has worked with Republicans and Democrats to make things easier for local businesses, grow our economy, and bring funding for infrastructure and economic development projects that will uplift our region,” said Eugene Seals, Jr., president and CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. “She is the practical leader we need in DC to stand up to the extremes in both parties and stand up for mid-Michigan, which is why Saginaw’s business community proudly endorses her to represent us in Congress.”
McDonald Rivet received the endorsement of the Black Economic Alliance PAC as part of its effort to “support candidates and policies that advance Black economic progress and prosperity.”
“I am honored to be endorsed by these trusted, leading voices in our regional and national business communities,” McDonald Rivet said. “All my life, I’ve brought good people and good ideas together to get big things done, no matter where they are on the political spectrum. So, it’s especially meaningful to have this support from our business community, who know that I will work with both parties to uplift local businesses, create better-paying jobs, and grow our economy for the people of mid-Michigan.”
McDonald Rivet’s personal experience running a business informs her work as a representative. As president and CEO of Greater Midland, a network of community centers employing 500+ people, she saw the challenges employers can face like red tape, attracting and retaining workers, and disaster response. As state senator, McDonald Rivet earned Legislator of the Year honors from the Small Business Association of Michigan for her intentional efforts to bring everyone to the table on important issues like child care, and for her leadership on the largest tax cut for working families in state history.
The endorsements from these significant business groups add to the coalition of support that McDonald Rivet has earned throughout her campaign, from small business owners, union workers and retirees, farmers, law enforcement officials, clergy members, local elected leaders, parents, and students.
The campaign to succeed Rep. Dan Kildee in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District – rated a Toss-Up by the Cook Political Report – is among the most competitive and contested U.S. House races in the country.
