About Senator Michelle McManus

Michelle McManus has a record of proven leadership, strong conservative values and the energy and drive to get the job done.

A lifelong resident of northern Michigan, Michelle grew up working in the McManus family cherry orchards, where she learned the lessons of determination, dedication and hard work. She graduated from Traverse City Public Schools and went on to earn her B.S. in political science from Central Michigan University.

Michelle was first called to public service in 1992, when she was elected to represent the residents of Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties in the Michigan House. She has gone on to serve Northern Michigan in the state Legislature for more than a decade, first as a three-term representative and now in her second term as a state senator. Throughout her legislative career, Michelle has remained unwavering in her commitment to faith, family and fiscal responsibility.

At the end of her third term in the Michigan House, Michelle was the Republican's choice to take on incumbent Congressman Bart Stupak in the 1998 race for Michigan's 1st Congressional District. While Stupak ultimately prevailed, Michelle proved herself to be a formidable opponent, running on a strong pro-life, pro-family platform at a time when the nation was struggling with a moral crisis in the White House.

From 1999 to 2002, Michelle served as the director of Governor John Engler's Northern Michigan Office. In that role, she provided advice and counsel to the Executive Office on issues and concerns of importance to northern Michigan residents. She served as a liaison between the governor and northern Michigan community leaders, businesses, citizens and the media.

In her second term as a state senator, Michelle was selected to serve as Assistant Majority Leader and as chair of the Senate Campaign & Election Oversight Committee, a new committee formed in 2007. As chair of the Senate Campaign & Election Oversight Committee, Michelle has worked to bring about responsible, commonsense reforms that will maintain the integrity of public office in Michigan. She also serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.

A lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, Michelle is a staunch supporter of your constitutional right to bear arms. She is a founding member of the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and serves as the Senate chair.

Michelle also believes life begins at conception - without exception. Her work to both sponsor and pass pro-life legislation has helped Michigan earn the designation #1 Best State for Life in the Americans United for Life Defending Life 2006 report. In 2003, she spearheaded the fight against partial birth abortions in Michigan by sponsoring legislation to define when a person was considered "born" and therefore eligible for full legal protection.

Michelle and her husband Keith Nelson live on her family farm in Lake Leelanau with their two daughters, Jessica and Mary. They attend St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City. An avid sportsman, she enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities and is an active member in her community.

Click here for a list of legislative accomplishments.