Senator Debbie Stabenow’s public service spans 50 years and has included official roles as a County Commissioner, State Legislator, Congresswoman, and U.S. Senator. Among her many "firsts," she was the first and youngest woman to chair the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, first woman to preside over the Michigan House of Representatives and first woman elected to the United States Senate from Michigan. Senator Stabenow represented the State of Michigan in the United States Congress for 28 years, including 24 years in the United States Senate. At the time of her retirement in 2024, Senate Stabenow served as chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, chair of the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and member of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.
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As Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Senator Stabenow redefined the role of American agriculture in protecting our land and water, responding to the climate crisis, addressing hunger and nutrition, and creating a food system that is more inclusive. Among her accomplishments are the creation of the first specialty crop title in Farm Bill history to support a broad range of crops – from our fruits and vegetables to hops and horticulture – and the establishment of countless opportunities for food entrepreneurs and urban farmers, including the expansion of farmer's markets across America.
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As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Stabenow helped write the Affordable Care Act and passed major reforms to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. A stalwart proponent of mental health, her bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act is the biggest step forward in expanding community mental health and addiction services in a generation.
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"Made in Michigan" through and through, Senator Stabenow has blazed trails, transformed public policy and made history throughout her career. Over 50 Michigan public acts bear her name, including legislation creating the Michigan Children's Trust Fund to prevent child abuse and neglect, the Children's Mental Health Act, first-of-its-kind domestic violence protections, the Michigan Family Support Subsidy Act, and reforms to child support and custody laws that became a national model. She is widely respected for her unrivaled work ethic, ability to build bipartisan coalitions to get things done and commitment to public service.