Endorsement Adds to Impressive Statewide Labor Coalition, including the United Auto Workers, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Michigan Education Association, Michigan AFL-CIO, UA Local 85, AFSCME Michigan, American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Detroit Plumbers Local 98, Genesee, Lapeer & Shiawassee Building Trades, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Michigan, Iron Workers Local 25, Michigan LiUNA, Michigan Pipe Trades Association, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43, Teamsters Local 214, Teamsters Local 299, Teamsters Local 406, UA Local 370, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 80, and the United Steelworkers District 1.
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – Karen McDonald, the Oakland County Prosecutor who has defined her career by fighting for families and kids, announced today the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Michigan in her campaign for Michigan Attorney General. The endorsement adds to McDonald’s labor coalition of over 20 unions from across the state, representing over a million Michigan workers, and reaffirms her commitment to standing with working families as Michigan’s next Attorney General.
“After careful consideration, we are confident that Karen is the candidate best prepared to champion our values as Michigan’s next Attorney General,” Brandice Mullen, SEIU Michigan Vice President, said. “Karen’s record of public service and her demonstrated commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law have made a strong impression on our members and leadership. Michigan needs an Attorney General who will stand up for workers, protect vulnerable communities, defend civil rights, and ensure that every resident is treated fairly under the law.”
SEIU Michigan represents more than 66,000 working people across the state who fight every day for dignity, fairness, and opportunity. Their members care for the sick, repair our bridges and roads, protect our communities, clean and guard public spaces, and work each day to ensure public services are delivered to all Michiganders.
“Working people deserve a champion who understands their lives because she has lived their lives. That is my story – and it’s the reason I am running for Attorney General,” said McDonald. “SEIU Michigan and their members understand the importance of leaders who understand that the government must work for working families, not just the wealthy and well-connected. I’m deeply grateful for their support.”
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 educator in Midland where she was a proud union member. Her experience teaching sparked her lifelong commitment to kids and their families. Karen was raised in Portland, Michigan, alongside her two sisters. She now lives in Birmingham with her husband. Together, they raised five children.
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