10 Facts About Winnie Brinks

Winnie Brinks was born on February 17,1968 and is an American politician who has served as a member of the Michigan Senate since 2019.

Winnie Brinks previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018, worked as an executive at a non-profit before seeking office.

Winnie Brinks serves as chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus, a non-profit organization that addresses concerns about women's health, pay equity, economic security and gender violence.

Winnie Brinks earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Calvin College.

Winnie Brinks was a caseworker at The Source, an employee support organization.

Winnie Brinks was recruited to run for office after Roy Schmidt, who had previously been elected to the Michigan House as a Democrat, switched to the Republican Party at the deadline to file for re-election, leaving no legitimate Democratic candidate on the primary ballot.

Winnie Brinks ran in the primary as a write-in candidate, exceeding the 1,000 votes required to win the Democratic nomination.

Winnie Brinks defeated fellow state representative Chris Afendoulis, a Republican, and Libertarian and Working Class Party candidates.

Winnie Brinks succeeded Dave Hildenbrand, a Republican, who was required by term limits to vacate the seat.

Winnie Brinks is the first female majority leader of the State Senate.