Kristen McDonald Rivet

Kristen McDonald Rivet is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th congressional district, a position she has held since January 3, 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she succeeded Dan Kildee, who retired from Congress. Prior to her election to the House, McDonald Rivet served in the Michigan Senate, where she was involved in various legislative initiatives and held leadership roles. Her district encompasses parts of Central Michigan, including the cities of Flint and the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which comprises Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City.

Early life and career

Born on July 11, 1970, in Portland, Michigan, Kristen McDonald Rivet grew up in a family with a working-class background. She was raised alongside her fraternal twin sister, Karen, and an older sister. Her father worked as a construction worker, while her mother dedicated her time to raising the children. This upbringing in a close-knit family environment likely influenced her later commitment to community service and public policy.

McDonald Rivet attended Portland High School before pursuing higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Michigan State University in 1992. Later, she furthered her education by obtaining a master's degree in public administration and education from the University of Michigan–Flint in 2010. This academic background provided her with a solid foundation for her future career in public service and politics.

Before entering the political arena, McDonald Rivet held several significant positions in various organizations. She served as the executive director of Michigan Head Start, an organization focused on early childhood education and development. Following this role, she worked in the Michigan Department of Human Services and as the chief of staff for State Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan. Her experience in these roles equipped her with insights into the challenges faced by families and communities in Michigan.

In addition to her work in government, McDonald Rivet held leadership positions in several nonprofit organizations. She was the vice president of the Skillman Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children in Detroit, and later became the president and chief executive officer of Greater Midlands Inc., an organization dedicated to community development. She also contributed to the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance and Michigan Future Inc., further demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the quality of life in her state.

McDonald Rivet's political career began with her election to the Charter Commission for Bay City, Michigan. She subsequently served on the Bay City Commission, representing the city's 2nd ward. These early experiences in local government laid the groundwork for her future electoral success at the state level.

House tenure

In November 2022, McDonald Rivet was elected to the Michigan Senate, where she represented the 35th district. During her time in the Senate, she served as the assistant majority floor leader and was a member of several important committees, including appropriations, economic and community development, education, and energy and environment. Her legislative work included sponsoring significant legislation aimed at expanding the state's Working Families Tax Credit and introducing a comprehensive Child Care for All legislative package to improve access to affordable childcare.

In January 2024, McDonald Rivet announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Michigan's 8th congressional district in the upcoming Democratic primary. Her campaign focused on economic security and family-oriented issues, resonating with voters in her district. She successfully won the Democratic primary and went on to defeat Republican Paul Junge in the general election, despite the district's recent voting trends favoring Republican candidates in presidential elections.

McDonald Rivet officially took office on January 3, 2025. In her role as a U.S. Representative, she was appointed to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Additionally, she was selected as the Freshman Leadership Representative for the New Democrat Coalition, a group within the House that focuses on centrist and pragmatic policies.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the Committee on Agriculture, McDonald Rivet has been involved in key legislative initiatives. She co-sponsored the bipartisan Foreign Agricultural Restrictions to Maintain Local Agriculture and National Defense (FARMLAND) Act, which aims to enhance the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review foreign purchases of U.S. farmland, particularly those involving entities with ties to China. This legislation reflects her commitment to protecting local agriculture and ensuring national security.

In addition to her work on agricultural issues, McDonald Rivet introduced the Susan Muffley Act of 2025, which seeks to restore pension benefits to approximately 21,000 salaried retirees from Delphi, an auto parts supplier that experienced bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis. This initiative highlights her focus on supporting workers and addressing the economic challenges faced by retirees.

During her tenure, McDonald Rivet was one of 46 House Democrats who joined all Republicans in voting for the Laken Riley Act, indicating her willingness to collaborate across party lines on certain issues.

In terms of committee assignments for the 119th Congress, McDonald Rivet serves on the Committee on Agriculture, where she is part of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, as well as the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. She is also a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where she serves on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, and the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Beyond her committee work, McDonald Rivet is a member of several caucuses, including the Congressional Equality Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and the Labor Caucus. These affiliations reflect her commitment to various social and economic issues, as well as her dedication to advocating for the needs of her constituents.

In her personal life, McDonald Rivet is married to Joseph Rivet, a former politician. The couple has six children and resides in Bay City, Michigan. She identifies as Catholic, which may inform her values and perspectives on various issues. As she continues her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, McDonald Rivet remains focused on addressing the needs of her constituents and contributing to legislative efforts that promote economic security and community well-being.