Rachel Hood is an American politician from Michigan who served as a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives. She was born on October 12, 1976, and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, located in Kent County.

Hood retired from the state House in 2024, concluding her service after representing the 76th district and later the 81st district .

Education

Rachel Hood holds a degree from Michigan State University.

Political Experience

Hood's professional background before entering elected office included extensive work in community development and environmental advocacy. She began her career in 2000 as executive director of the West Grand Neighborhood Association, where she focused on crime prevention and community development. In 2005, she served as Community Relations Manager at Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, Michigan.

Beyond her initial community work, Hood co-founded Local First of Michigan and City Built Brewing Company. She later spent a decade as executive director of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, where she advocated for clean energy solutions and water protection. Most recently, she worked as a strategist consultant at Dig Deep Research, a consulting firm that helps communities secure funding for water and energy infrastructure projects.

Hood was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives on November 6, 2018, representing District 76. She was subsequently elected to represent District 81 on November 8, 2022, and was sworn in on January 11, 2023. During her legislative service, she served on multiple appropriations committees, including the Appropriations Subcommittee on Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which she chaired. She also served on the Appropriations Subcommittees on General Government, Health and Human Services, and Transportation. Hood testified on bipartisan legislation addressing lead exposure across Michigan.