State Senator Jim Ananich is serving his first term representing the residents of Michigan's 27th District, which includes the city of Flint and much of Genesee County. Because he secured his seat in a special election, he has the rare opportunity to run for an additional two four-year terms. A former public schools teacher, he has championed efforts to make education more affordable, increase the minimum wage, and reduce barriers to voting. Ananich has served as the Michigan Senate Democratic Finance Chair and has worked on numerous campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.