Biography

Kristen McDonald Rivet, born on July 11, 1970, in Portland, Michigan, is a dedicated public servant representing Michigan's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Raised in a working-class family—her father was a construction worker and her mother a homemaker—Kristen and her sisters were the first in their family to attend college. She resides in Bay City with her husband, Joseph, and their six children.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in History from Michigan State University, 1992.
• Master's Degree in Public Administration and Education from the University of Michigan-Flint, 2010.

Political Experience

• Bay City Commission: Elected in 2019, representing the city's 2nd ward.
• Michigan State Senate: Elected in 2022 to represent the 35th district; served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader.
• U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2024 to represent Michigan's 8th Congressional District; sworn in on January 3, 2025.

Notable Achievements

• Tax Reform: Led efforts to pass the largest tax cut for working families in Michigan's history during her tenure in the state senate.
• Childcare Advocacy: As Executive Director of the Michigan Head Start Association, worked to make childcare more affordable and accessible.
• Environmental Legislation: Instrumental in passing Michigan's historic 100% clean energy bill as a state senator.
• Leadership Role: Elected by peers as the Freshman Leadership Representative to the New Democratic Coalition in Congress.

Kristen McDonald Rivet continues to focus on policies that support working families, economic development, and environmental sustainability.