Senator Mary Cavanagh is a Democratic member of the Michigan Senate representing District 6, which includes communities such as Northwest Detroit, Redford Township, Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and parts of Detroit. Born on July 1, 1991, in San Diego, California, she has over 20 years of experience in public service and civic engagement, focusing on community activism, small businesses, housing, healthcare, and workforce development. Notable achievements include chairing the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, as well as two subcommittees; serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Community & Economic Development; chairing the Michigan Latino Caucus; and acting as Deputy Whip of the Senate Democratic caucus. She is also active in the Progressive Women’s Caucus, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, Firearms and Safety Caucus, and Disability Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Wayne State University.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Michigan Senate in 2023, succeeding Democrat Erika Geiss; previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives starting in 2020, representing Redford Township and Northwest Detroit. Earlier roles include AmeriCorps member in Detroit Public Schools addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, direct care worker for individuals with behavioral and intellectual challenges, and director of project development focused on home ownership preservation and community revitalization. Active in the Michigan Democratic Party, Redford Democratic Party, AFL-CIO Advocates, get-out-the-vote initiatives, neighborhood clean-ups, and Goodfellows.