Kara Hope is a Democratic state representative serving her fourth term for Michigan's 74th House District, which includes south Lansing and Delhi Township in Ingham County. Born on April 9, 1974, in Ypsilanti, she is a lifelong mid-Michigan resident from a working-class union family in Ionia. She is married to Evan Hope and has raised a niece, Emma, and a nephew, Jared. As a licensed attorney since 2003 specializing in family law, she has donated pro bono services to organizations like the Sam Corey Delhi Township Senior Center and Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council. Notable achievements include serving as founding president of the Holt Community Arts Council, which provides free family events, and holding leadership roles such as chairperson of the House Criminal Justice Committee, vice chairperson of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee, and assistant majority floor leader. She prioritizes protecting elections and democracy, supporting working families, and strengthening public education, with recognition for health policy and human rights work.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a B.A. in English from Michigan State University in 1997 ; J.D. cum laude from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2003 .
• Professional Experience: Reporter at Sentinel-Standard ; pre-hearing attorney at Michigan Court of Appeals ; defense litigator ; adjunct professor at Cooley Law School ; solo family law practice .
• Community Involvement: Boards for Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council, Capital Area College Access Network, South Lansing-Holt Rotary, Holt Education Foundation; volunteer in Holt schools; Ingham County boards including Animal Control Advisory and Women's Commission.
• Political Experience: Elected to Ingham County Board of Commissioners in 2012 ; elected to Michigan House in 2018 ; current committees include Elections and Judiciary.