Stephanie Chang

Stephanie Chang is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Michigan State Senate, representing the 3rd district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since 2023. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Chang served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, where she represented the 6th district. Notably, she is recognized as the first Asian American woman to serve in the Michigan Legislature and has made history as the first woman to give birth while serving as a Michigan State Senator.

Early life and career

Stephanie Chang was born on October 24, 1983, at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She was raised in Canton, Michigan, alongside her older sister, Josephina. Chang is the daughter of Taiwanese American parents who emigrated from Taiwan, seeking opportunities in the auto industry. This background has influenced her commitment to community service and advocacy.

Chang pursued her education at the University of Michigan, where she graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies. Her academic journey continued at the same institution, where she obtained two master's degrees in May 2014: one in public policy and the other in social work. During her time at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, she was recognized as a David Bohnett Leadership Fellow, which included an internship at the Detroit mayor's office, supported by the David Bohnett Foundation.

Before entering politics, Chang dedicated approximately ten years to community organizing in Detroit. Her professional experience includes serving as the state director for NextGen Climate Michigan, where she focused on climate advocacy. She also held various roles in organizations such as the Center for Progressive Leadership in Michigan, where she worked as the alumni engagement and evaluation coordinator, and the James and Grace Lee Boggs School, where she served as the community engagement coordinator. Additionally, she was the deputy director for the Campaign for Justice and worked as an organizer for Michigan United. Chang also assisted Grace Lee Boggs, a prominent activist, further deepening her commitment to community issues.

Chang has been actively involved in various community initiatives. She co-founded and served as the past president of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote-Michigan and has mentored youth through the Detroit Asian Youth Project. Furthermore, she co-founded Rising Voices of Asian American Families and serves on its board, as well as on the board of the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center.

Legislative service

Chang's political career began in earnest when she was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2014, succeeding Rashida Tlaib as the representative for the 6th District. She officially took office in January 2015. During her initial term, she was appointed to several committees, including Criminal Justice, Education, and Judiciary. In her subsequent term, she continued her legislative work on the Committees on Education Reform, Law and Justice—where she served as Minority Vice Chair—and Natural Resources.

Throughout her time in the House, Chang focused on a range of issues, including air quality, access to safe drinking water, education reform, and criminal justice reform. Her leadership roles included chairing the Progressive Women's Caucus and being a founding member of the Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus. She was also a member of the Detroit Caucus, the Michigan Democratic Latino Legislative Caucus, and the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. Additionally, she contributed to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Local Government Advisory Committee, which aims to foster collaboration between local governments and the EPA.

In 2018, Chang transitioned to the Michigan Senate, running for the 1st district. She faced fellow state representative Bettie Cook Scott in the Democratic primary, winning decisively. The campaign was marked by controversy, as Cook Scott made racially charged remarks about Chang, which were later apologized for. Following redistricting, Chang successfully ran for the 3rd district in the 2022 election.

Currently, Chang serves as the Minority Floor Leader in the State Senate. She holds the position of Minority Vice Chair for both the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety and the Committee on Finance. Her legislative initiatives have included addressing issues such as female genital mutilation, criminal justice reform, the regulation of nitrous oxide products, the establishment of business improvement zones, domestic violence prevention, and reentry services for individuals who have been previously incarcerated but exonerated.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Chang has maintained a strong focus on issues that directly impact her constituents and the broader community. Her work emphasizes environmental sustainability, public health, education, and social justice. In particular, she has been an advocate for clean air and water, recognizing the critical importance of these resources for the health and well-being of Michigan residents.

Chang's commitment to education reform is evident in her support for initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students, particularly those from marginalized communities. She has also been active in criminal justice reform, working to address systemic issues within the justice system and advocating for policies that promote fairness and equity.

In her district, Chang has engaged with residents through various community organizations and initiatives. She has collaborated with local entities such as the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy and the Neighborhood Service Center to address issues ranging from housing stability to maternal health. Notably, she launched the Girls Making Change fellowship, a leadership program designed to empower high school girls of color in her district.

Chang's personal life reflects her commitment to her community and family. She resides in Detroit with her husband, Sean Gray, and their two young daughters. Her experiences as a mother and community leader inform her legislative priorities, as she seeks to create a more equitable and just society for all Michiganders. Through her ongoing service in the Michigan Senate, Chang continues to advocate for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of her constituents.