OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Today, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks proudly announced her endorsement of Karen McDonald for Michigan Attorney General. With a life shaped by hard work and a deep commitment to uplifting Michigan’s working families, Leader Brinks believes Karen embodies the shared values and economic vision needed to expand opportunity for all Michiganders.
“From growing up on a dairy farm and learning the value of sweat and perseverance, to working in classrooms, nonprofits, and the Legislature, I know firsthand what it means to work hard and build a life for your family,” said Leader Brinks. “Karen isn’t just another candidate — she’s someone who understands that good jobs, fair wages, and economic opportunity for every family aren’t abstract ideas – they’re essential to the health and future of our communities.”
As Michigan’s Senate Majority Leader and the first woman to hold that position, Winnie Brinks has championed policies that strengthen working families, expand access to affordable healthcare, and protect clean water and safe communities. Before entering elected office, she worked as a caseworker helping employees and businesses grow together, served as a school paraprofessional, and led a community-based corrections agency – experiences that grounded her in the realities of everyday workers and families.
Leader Brinks’ endorsement reflects a belief that Karen shares these same values of resilience, fairness, and economic justice – principles that have guided her own journey and will guide her leadership as Michigan’s next Attorney General.
“Working-class economics means that our policies should reflect the dignity of work – that every worker deserves a fair shot, a good wage, access to healthcare, and safe communities where their families can thrive,” Brinks continued. “I’m proud to endorse Karen because she stands shoulder-to-shoulder with working families, and I know she’ll fight every day to make Michigan more prosperous and just for all.”
Karen said, “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Leader Brinks. Her life’s work – rooted in service, hard work, and lifting up others – is the kind of leadership I strive for every day. Together, we’ll continue to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.”
About Karen McDonald: Karen was elected Oakland County Prosecutor in 2020 and is committed to protecting victims of crime, improving outcomes for juveniles and families, and increasing fairness across the criminal justice system. Karen’s early initiatives have included reviewing the files of every pending juvenile lifer case in Oakland County, and establishing a Trafficking Unit, a Hate Crimes Unit, and a Conviction Integrity Unit. Prior to her election as Oakland County Prosecutor, Karen was an Oakland County Circuit Court judge from 2012 to 2019. As a judge, Karen specialized in family matters – including divorce and custody, child abuse and neglect, and adoption.
Karen began her career as a high school English teacher in Midland, where she was a proud union member. Her experience teaching sparked her lifelong commitment to kids. Karen was raised in Portland, Michigan, alongside her two sisters. She now lives in Birmingham with her husband. Together, they raised five children.
Contact: press@mcdonaldforag.com or alan@mcdonaldforag.com
February 10, 2025
