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Schmidt, Wayne A. (R)

Office: 4600 Binsfeld Building Term: Final Phone: (517) 373-2413 Email: senwschmidt@senate.michigan.gov Home Address: PO Box 25, Traverse City, MI 49685 Website: https://www.senatorwayneschmidt.com/ Seat Number: 14 Standing Committees: Economic and Small Business Development, Energy and Technology, Natural Resources, Appropriations Subcommittees: K-12 and Michigan Department of Education(C), Transportation(C), Labor and Economic Opportunity/MEDC(VC), Joint Capital Outlay, Community Health/Human Services (C) = Chair, (VC) = Vice Chair

POLITICAL CAREER

Sen. Schmidt was first elected to the Michigan Senate after he defeated fellow House member Rep. Greg MacMaster in a tough primary election. He went on in the general to defeat Democrat Phil Bellfy 61 to 39 percent.  

Prior to being elected to the Michigan Senate, Sen. Schmidt served three terms in the Michigan House.  During his last term he chaired the House Transportation Committee and the Capitol Committee.  Before being elected to the Legislature, Schmidt was elected five times to the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners.  

WORK EXPERIENCE

Sen. Schmidt served as general manager of the Captain's Quarters men's clothing store in Traverse City, and was elected five times to the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners. On the commission he had terms as vice chair and chair of the board.

To read MIRS biography of Sen. Schmidt, click here.

EDUCATION

Sen. Schmidt attended the University of Chicago, majoring in economics and public policy and is a graduate of the Michigan State University Political Leadership Program.

PERSONAL

Senator Schmidt was born October 6, 1966 and is a lifelong resident of Traverse City. He and his wife Kathleen have two children, Danny and Ryan.

CIVIC ACTIVITIES

Sen. Schmidt has been a part of a number of organizations, including: Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, Bay Area Transit Authority, Michigan Association of Counties Human Services Committee (chair), Grand Traverse County Land Use & Transportation Study Group - Grand Vision , Grand Traverse County Republican Party (vice-chair and membership chair), Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan, National Cherry Festival, Trout Unlimited, Economic Club of TC, Kiwanis Noon Club, Boardman Neighborhood Association, Great Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (vice-chair), Traverse City Zoning Board of Appeals chair and Downtown Traverse City Association.

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