PAMELA PUGH SECURES THIRD ENDORSEMENT FROM SITTING STATE LEGISLATOR

NEWS RELEASE 12/24/25 

Contact: Greg Bowens, Bowens & Co., 248.275.3156, bowensgreg@hotmail.com

State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. joins State Rep. Emily Divendorf and State Senator Sylvia Santana in supporting Pugh for the Senate seat as the most experienced and qualified candidate in the race.

SAGINAW, MI — Pamela Pugh, a leading candidate in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 35th Senate District, has been endorsed by State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. in her bid to become the next state senator for District 35. Absentee ballot voting has begun, and the primary election is Feb. 3.

“Dr. Pamela Pugh is a principled, prepared, and proven leader who has consistently stood up for students, families, and communities as President of the State Board of Education,” said Wilson. “I am proud to support her for state senate and encourage voters across the district to send a fighter to the senate by voting for Pamela Pugh.”

Pugh said she is grateful for the endorsement and the growing support for her campaign. Wilson joins State Representative Emily Divendorf and State Senator Sylvia Santana, who announced their support earlier. The news comes on the heels of an announcement launching a pro-Pugh multi-platform advertising campaign as absentee ballots are mailed to voters across the district.

The 30-second “Champion” ads are airing on mid-Michigan radio and television stations and across targeted digital and social media platforms. You can view the ad here: Pamela Pugh for State Senate.

“Even during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, voters have the opportunity to give the most important gift of all — their vote,” said Pugh. “This election will help determine the direction of our state and who controls the Michigan Senate. I’m running to move Michigan forward and deliver real results for working families.”

The ads highlight Pugh’s lifetime of public service as a public health leader, education advocate, and champion for working families. Her priorities include expanding access to healthcare and childcare, lowering utility costs, protecting public infrastructure, and standing up to MAGA extremism.

The February 3, 2026, special election will determine who fills the vacant 35th District Senate seat. Pugh enters the race as the only candidate elected statewide twice and currently serves as President of the Michigan State Board of Education. She is widely recognized for taking on MAGA extremism on issues ranging from public health and education to civil rights.

Pugh holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University and both a Master of Science and Doctor of Public Health from the University of Michigan. She spent 14 years at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health and was appointed Chief Public Health Advisor during the Flint Water Crisis.

Her campaign has earned broad support, with more than 70 endorsements from educators, faith leaders, elected officials, and community leaders across Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. Endorsers include State Senator Sylvia Santana; State Representatives Emily Dievendorf and Jimmie Wilson Jr.; Saginaw County commissioner, Lisa Coney; four Saginaw City Councilmembers; four Bay City Commissioners; and multiple local school board members from each county in the district. Organizational endorsements include 314 Action, Climate Cabinet, the Michigan Democratic Party Progressive Caucus, and MI List, the Michigan affiliate of EMILY’s List. See the growing list of endorsements at Pamela Pugh for State Senate.

Pugh’s platform focuses on building an economy that works for working families by supporting MiCare (Michigan’s pathway to universal healthcare), universal childcare, lowering utility bills, protecting publicly owned infrastructure, and investing in good-paying jobs throughout mid-Michigan.