Mai Xiong

Mai Xiong is a Hmong American businesswoman and politician currently serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 13th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since 2024 and is notable for being the first Hmong American to serve in the Michigan Legislature. Prior to her current role, Xiong served on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners from 2021 to 2024, where she focused on various community initiatives and funding allocations.

Early life and career

Mai Xiong was born in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp located in the Loei province of Thailand to a Hmong family. At the age of three, her family relocated to the United States after being accepted as refugees, initially settling in Ohio. The family later moved to the Metro Detroit area, where Xiong and her siblings spent a significant amount of time growing up, influenced by their extended family residing in the region.

Xiong's educational journey began when she was accepted into the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, in 2003. During her time at the college, she moved to Warren, Michigan, and completed an internship at Campbell Ewald, a prominent advertising agency. In 2007, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Xiong continued her education by participating in the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University, further enhancing her understanding of political processes. Additionally, she completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard Kennedy School, which provided her with advanced insights into governance and public administration.

In 2017, Xiong founded Mai&Co, an apparel company inspired by traditional Hmong clothing, reflecting her cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. She is fluent in the Hmong language and has contributed to her community by serving as a language interpreter for a translation and interpretation organization. Xiong has also been actively involved in various community service initiatives, including serving as a volunteer Board Member of the Macomb Food Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and providing food assistance to those in need in Macomb County. Furthermore, she has coordinated efforts for the Adopt-A-County Road program, which encourages community members to participate in maintaining local roads by cleaning up litter and trash.

Legislative service

Mai Xiong's political career began when she successfully challenged incumbent Macomb County Commissioner Marvin Sauger in the Democratic primary in August 2020, where she secured a significant portion of the vote. Following her primary victory, she won the general election in November 2020, marking the beginning of her tenure on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. During her time on the board, Xiong took a proactive approach to address community needs, leading initiatives that allocated substantial funding for local programs. Notably, she was instrumental in appropriating $300,000 in the 2023 budget to support the county's food pantry distribution program, which aimed to alleviate food insecurity in the area. Additionally, she worked to increase funding for Turning Point, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and secured resources for Martha T. Berry, a county health facility focused on elderly care.

In 2022, Xiong was re-elected to a second term on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, further solidifying her position in local governance. However, in 2023, she faced a challenging election when she ran for the position of Warren City Clerk. Although she advanced through the primary, she ultimately lost the general election. Following the resignation of Lori Stone, a Michigan State Representative who was elected mayor of Warren, Xiong announced her candidacy for the special election to fill the vacant seat. She won the Democratic primary in January 2024 and subsequently secured victory in the general election with a notable percentage of the vote.

Xiong's legislative journey continued as she sought re-election in November 2024, following court-mandated redistricting that altered her district boundaries. She successfully won the general election for a full term in the newly established 13th district, demonstrating her continued support within her constituency.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Mai Xiong has focused on various policy areas that reflect her commitment to her constituents and the broader community. Her legislative priorities have included issues related to food security, domestic violence prevention, and support for health services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and victims of abuse. Xiong's background in community service and her experience on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners have informed her approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of addressing local needs through effective policy-making.

In March 2025, Xiong made headlines when she broke party lines to vote in favor of a resolution urging the enforcement of a federal ban on transgender girls participating in women's sports. This decision highlighted her willingness to engage in complex and often contentious issues within the legislative arena. However, later that year, she voted against a bill that sought to codify similar restrictions into Michigan law, indicating a nuanced approach to policy that considers the diverse perspectives within her district.

Xiong's district, the 13th, encompasses a diverse population, and she has made efforts to engage with her constituents to understand their needs and concerns. Her background as a Hmong American and her experiences as a businesswoman and community advocate have positioned her uniquely to represent a variety of voices within her district. Through her legislative work, Xiong aims to foster an inclusive environment that addresses the challenges faced by her constituents while promoting policies that enhance the quality of life in Michigan.

Overall, Mai Xiong's journey from a refugee camp to the Michigan House of Representatives illustrates her dedication to public service and her commitment to advocating for her community. As she continues her legislative work, her focus on critical issues and her engagement with constituents will likely shape her contributions to the Michigan Legislature in the years to come.