Elected Officials, Faith, and Community Leaders from across the 35th District Endorse Dr. Pamela Pugh for State Senate (MI-35)

September 9, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rita McGlothin

Phone: (989) 272-3292

Email: comms@pugh-michigan.com

Website: pugh-michigan.com 

Broad coalition from across the 35th District backs scientist and public health professional focused on affordability, strong schools, public health and safety, resilient infrastructure, and people-centered economic development

SAGINAW, Mich. — September 7, 2025 — Dr. Pamela Pugh’s campaign for Michigan’s 35th State Senate District today announced the first forty of a growing coalition of local elected officials, faith leaders, educators, and community advocates endorsing her candidacy.

“I’m grateful for the support of leaders who serve our communities every day. Together, we’re putting people first: strong public schools with real pathways for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s possibilities; robust student mental-health supports; safer water and resilient infrastructure; and an economy that supports working families. This coalition reflects the momentum behind that vision.” — Dr. Pamela Pugh

Endorsers (to date)

Titles and affiliations for identification only.

Faith & Community Leaders

·       Pastor John Dunn

·       Pastor Johnny Edwards

·       Bishop Ron Frierson

·       Bishop Hurley Coleman, Jr.

·       Bishop Larry Camel

·       Pastor Joshua Daniels

·       Pastor Ben Smith

·       Pastor Delwin Tatum

·       Pastor Marcelle Smith

·       Pastor Taurus Simpson

·       Co-Pastor Darlene Simpson

·       Pastor Roy Baldwin

·       Co-Pastor Evelyn Baldwin

·       Bishop Alvernis Johnson

·       Apostle Anthony Revis

·       Pastor Craig Tatum

·       Pastor Michael Hayes

·       Pastor Robert Davis

·       Reverend Mildred Dorsey Bell

·       Pastor Blake Strozier

·       Pastor Elvin Owens

Elected & Education Leaders (Titles and affiliations for identification only)

·       Dr. Charles H. Coleman — President, Saginaw Public Schools Board of Education

·       Carly Hammond — Councilmember, City of Saginaw

·       Heidi Wiggins — Councilmember, City of Saginaw

·       Michael Balls — Councilmember, City of Saginaw

·       Gary Loster — Former Mayor, City of Saginaw

·       Janet H. Nash — Vice President, Saginaw Public Schools Board of Education

·       Mattie L. Thompson — Trustee, Saginaw Public Schools Board of Education

·       Arik Smith — Trustee, Saginaw Township Community Schools Board of Education

·       Dr. Christina Dillard — Supervisor, Buena Vista Township

·       Dr. Craig Douglas — Former Trustee, Carrollton Township

·       Torrie Lee — Superintendent, Buena Vista Charter Township

·       Lisa Coney — Commissioner, Saginaw County

·       Ralph Martin — Board Member, Saginaw Intermediate School District

·       Monica Reyes — Saginaw Community Leader

·       Kim Coonan — Business Owner; Former County Commissioner, Bay County

·       Joseph Charlebois — Commissioner, City of Bay City (8th Ward)

·       Ben Tenny — Commissioner, City of Bay City (4th Ward)

·       Chris Runberg — Commissioner, City of Bay City (7th Ward)

·       Emilly Benchley — Trustee, Hampton Township Board of Trustees

·       Mason Pressler — Trustee, Bay City Public Schools Board

About Dr. Pamela Pugh

Dr. Pamela Pugh is a scientist and public health professional with over 25 years of service. She serves as President of the Michigan State Board of Education, where she has championed student success, school mental-health funding, and safe, modern learning environments. A graduate of Saginaw High School, she has led initiatives through the Saginaw County Health Department, advanced environmental health and childhood lead poisoning prevention, and stood with families through the Flint Water Crisis. Dr. Pugh holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Public Health and is running for State Senate to deliver stronger schools, resilient infrastructure, and opportunity for every community.

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