Dr. Pamela Pugh Speaks Out: Truth, Transparency, and a Record of Service

November 18, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SAGINAW, MI — In recent weeks, a coordinated political effort has surfaced. It has not come from across the aisle. It has come from within my own party.

There is a deliberate attempt to consolidate around a lesser-known, establishment-backed candidate by trying to discredit the frontrunner. That frontrunner is me. Party insiders are attempting to consolidate around a lesser-known, establishment-backed candidate by working to discredit the frontrunner. That frontrunner is me.

Since June, FOIA requests have targeted agencies where I’ve never received a contract. These are desperate attempts to create a scandal where none exists. And let’s be clear: there are no new revelations. These are attacks, based on financial records long disclosed in previous campaigns with no fanfare. 

The facts haven’t changed. It is the timing that has changed. It is because this campaign is steadily gaining momentum:

• I’ve outraised every candidate in this race.

• We’ve earned over 60 endorsements from clergy, local elected officials, and community organizations.

• We’re polling strong even in the face of biased, insider-funded push polls.

• And I’m the only statewide elected official in this race, with 12 years of service on the Michigan State Board of Education, a role I’ve held for less than $3,500 a year, because I believe in service, not self-interest.

This isn’t about scrutiny. It’s about strategy. And the strategy is clear: undermine the candidate with the strongest grassroots support.

Like so many Michiganders, I’ve faced personal and economic hardship. I’ve left a job to launch a business, borrowed from my 401(k), navigated and experienced unemployment, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’ve paid all state tax obligations and have been in good standing with the IRS for years under a repayment plan. That’s not scandal. That’s survival.

And through it all, I’ve continued to serve, show up for the people of Michigan, and carry out my responsibilities with integrity. Personal hardship does not disqualify someone from public service. In fact, it makes me more determined and more connected to the everyday struggles of the people I serve.

Since 2021, I’ve voluntarily led a community-centered initiative and in 2024 we were awarded ARPA funding to support food and energy security, youth development, and community engagement in Saginaw. We delivered real outcomes, submitted every required document, and served the people. The City of Saginaw initially approved the grant, then delayed communications and reversed course without clear justification. This wasn’t about compliance. It was about control.

I also founded BOSS UP PAC to support working-class, BIPOC, and women leaders, the kind of voices often shut out of politics. We gave thousands of dollars in legal, compliance-reviewed contributions to local and federal candidates, including Kristen McDonald Rivet, Barbara Lee, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

These PAC efforts were conducted transparently and while I was not a candidate. I also contributed countless unpaid hours to its operations. But now, like other aspects of my record, these contributions are being twisted to imply wrongdoing.

Let’s be honest about what’s happening. My race for State Senate is about purpose, not perfection. And if surviving hardship disqualifies someone from office, then so does most of America.

I’m not the candidate of political insiders. I’m the candidate of working people.  Those who’ve been counted out and are still standing. I know that these attacks won’t stop us and we are not backing down. We are building forward. And we are just getting started.

Join Dr. Pamela Pugh for Coffee and Conversation:

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

  Live Oak Coffeehouse

  711 Ashman St, Midland, MI 48640

  
  

• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  Lolobee’s Lounge

  106 S Linn St Unit A, Bay City, MI 48706

  
  

• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  Red Eye Coffee + Tea

  211 N Hamilton St, Saginaw, MI 48602