Adam Hollier

Adam Hollier was born in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Detroit Public Schools, received a bachelor's degree in industrial labor and relations from Cornell University in 2007, a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and additional education from the Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning Georgia. He served in the United States Army and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. His professional experience includes serving as director of the Michigan Fitness Association, serving as chief of staff for State Senator Bert Johnson from 2009 to 2012, and serving as the district director for State Senator Buzz Thomas in 2004.[1][2]

State Senate

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Secretary of State

Adam Hollier did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

U.S. House

Adam Hollier did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Adam Hollier did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a State Senator, Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, husband, father, Black and Native American running for Congress to represent Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. I currently serve in the Michigan State Senate, representing a large swath of Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. I've passed legislation every year I've has been in office, which is an accomplishment not held by many. I sit on the appropriations committee, and am Detroit’s best advocate for bringing resources back to the district.

I served as a volunteer firefighter before enlisting in the U.S. Army, and graduated with distinction from officer candidate school, where I earned the commission of 2nd Lieutenant. I'm a proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools. I earned a bachelor’s in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University where I played safety on the varsity football team, and was a decathlete. I received a master’s in urban planning from the University of Michigan.

At every turn, I've been guided in public service by one simple truth: “we can do better.” In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my kids, running, and woodworking. My family and I reside in Detroit’s North End neighborhood, where my family has lived since the 1940s.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m a Dad of young kids, member of the military, and currently hold public office as a State Senator, where I have been able to get things done and work with colleagues of all political views to solve the problems of people in Metro Detroit.I am a pro-choice candidate and whole heartedly support women’s rights to have autonomy over their own bodies. With Roe v. Wade being overturned, people’s access to healthcare will be a huge problem, and every man in this state and every man in this country needs to step up and make sure this is not an issue that just women are talking about..My priorities when I get to Congress will be: fair and affordable housing, family issues like affordable child care and health care, voting rights, and infrastructure/transportation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My number one priority, and something I am very passionate about, is access to quality and affordable housing. None of these other issues are important if the people who live here can’t afford to buy a house and plant long lasting roots in their community. We know home ownership contributes to generational wealth, and many of the people in Detroit and surrounding areas have been denied that for a long time. I’m fighting to get every family access to fair mortgages and appraisals, regardless of race. We need to make quality housing more accessible to all.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Creating a Department of Senior Affairs department that would address and manage the unique needs of our districts Senior citizens. Work with our education system to improve our curriculums and budget to deliver a high-quality education to our children. We want every child prepared for college, trade school, military service, the workforce or entrepreneurship upon graduation. Reducing crime and blight in our neighborhoods creating places for our neighbors to feel safe and where our children can walk to school without facing abandoned homes, loose pets, unsafe streets on unlit paths.[9][10]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

As far as public policy, I am most interested in our overall educational system, our social welfare system and cycles of poverty, as well as viable health care coverage for our citizens.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[10]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Adam Hollier answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

I look up to my dad. He (and my mom too) was a civil servant, serving our community as a firefighter for years. I watched him unselfishly give of himself, literally laying down his life to save others in need. As a servant leader, he remains the best example of what it means to serve. His humility and ownership of responsibility has taught me what leadership really is.[10]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

I can't say that my "philosophy" is drawn from this book, but I can say that it has influenced me and shifted my paradigms on governmental leadership. It is Robert Caro's series of books on Lyndon B Johnson. It is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.[10]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must be a person of integrity, character, influence and humility. I also believe that officials must maintain a servant's heart toward the people that they represent.[10]

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

As a son and a soldier in the US ARMY, I learned integrity and character. As a Husband (of wife, Krystle) and Director of Michigan Fitness, I learned how to use my influence to lead and serve others. As a new father, I have learned humility. Raising my new daughter Lilly Jo, I understand the enormous responsibility that I have to her and how that responsibility compels me to be the best that I can be. All of these roles have taught me the traits necessary to be a good leader and a selfless advocate for the people I serve.[10]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

1. Listen to the needs and concerns of the people your serve. 2. Communicate your goals and objectives to your constituents. 3. Follow up consistently and transparently with updates or roadblocks. 4. Develop collaborative, beneficial relationships with other legislators, the business community and neighboring cities. 5. Create and maintain a balanced state budget and pass/repeal laws according the well being of the citizens.[10]

What legacy would you like to leave?

Two things stand out as what I would like my legacy to be...first, I would like people to say without reservation that "Adam did what he said he would do." I want to change the reputation of what citizens should expect from their elected officials. Lastly, I want people to leave a legacy of "the extra mile". People should be able actions or deeds done from my time in office that were over and above the call of duty. The hope is that it will become contagious and our entire district will begin to go the extra mile in caring for their neighbors and their neighborhoods.[10]

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?

One event that stands out is the first Million Man March on Washington, DC. I was around 10 or 11 at the time. I remember being in amazed seeing that many men that looked like me standing together for our communities, our families, our women and our rights. Even as a young boy, I will never forget that sense of awe and pride.[10]

What happened on your most awkward date?

Thankfully, I don't remember any awkward dates. If I had any, I am sure I have blocked them from memory![10]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite. No other holiday is simply about being thankful and grateful. Its a time to think about the blessing of friends and loved ones, things that money can't buy.[10]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

It would have to be my back deck. I built it myself (with a "little" help from my dad). The design, layout, and intense labor was a project I will never forget.[10]

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I say a little prayer by Aretha Franklin. Due to her recent death, I have been listening to a lot of her vintage music. This one always pops up on my player first.[10]

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I volunteered to work in disaster relief in Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina. When you are in the midst of a situation where so many people need so much, Your heart breaks daily. You struggle to stay objective and on task, while remaining empathetic and caring. Balancing empathy, care, concern while focusing on diligence to get a job done was tough. But unbeknownst to me it was a precursor into political leadership.[10]

(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The State Senate will pass bills, manage the budget, and create a check and balance for the gubernatorial office. We are also different in "number" and how/when are elected.[10]

Do you believe that it's beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think a candidate with no exposure to government or politics would have a severe learning curve that could be a disservice to their constituents. Someone in that position would need to be a quick study, eager learner and diligent to have experienced staffers and mentors to help orientate them to how our government runs.[10]

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Infrastructure: Creating safe durable roads, statewide mass transit and restoration of a safe water system (specifically, Flint) Education: Rebooting our school system and creating a curriculum that develops students into contenders for high-level STEM careers, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Urban poverty: Developing neighborhoods that are safe, free from blight and filled with families that have fair wage jobs and the buying power to purchase homes and make a living for their families.[10]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

A relationship built on transparency, trust and openness to innovation and ideas.[10]

Do you believe it's beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is critical to build solid relationships with other legislators within your party and on the "other side of the aisle". Collaboration, sharing of best practices, negotiations and bargaining are all done best through relationship versus obligation. Legislators that work in a silo are less likely to have influence or the momentum to get things done. The system is intentionally designed to yield better results when working as a team.[10]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

if the voters decide to end gerrymandering in Michigan, I would look to the Secretary of State to provide oversight and ensure a fair process via an independent commission.[10]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Education would be an easy guess. Currently, I haven't really considered any beyond that.[10]

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I think taking bits and pieces from many admirable legislators would be more my style. I don't know that I am familiar with one that encompasses everything I want to be as a public servant.[10]

Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?

My focus is getting through this November election and should I be elected, doing a solid job for my constituents. Before I consider another "job", I want to evaluate how well I do this one. If I do a great job, the people will "hire me" for whatever position they need me in through voting.[10]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you've heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes! It actually happened during campaigning. I was in the district and was set to walk up one of the blocks only to discover that the street was severely flooded and had been for DAYS. The residents couldn't walk in the street, they had to park cars on the grass and more rain was expected soon. I talked to one of the neighbors and asked about what was going on and if they called about the conditions. What he said totally shook me. He said, no sir. We didn't call, why? No one would come anyway. The whole neighborhood had NO expectation that the elected officials, city, state or otherwise designed to serve them, would actually do their job. It was sobering and yet lit a new fire of motivation. Making some calls onsite and working with the city, got the water taken care of within a day and they were grateful. The neighbors thanked me profusely as if I was a super hero. I told them that this type of service is what they deserve as citizens. I was glad to be able to help, even not having the "job" of Senator yet. Even still, I will never forget his response. It saddened me. Citizens should EXPECT and have confidence that officials will serve them and meet their needs. They should never think twice about calling or reaching out. I hope to have the opportunity to change that. As we have said during my campaign, We can do better.[10]

On his campaign website, Hollier cites education, infrastructure, and vision as the chief themes of his campaign.[11]

Prioritize education

"Create a culture that values the wide, equitable educational attainment necessary to produce both economic opportunity and stronger citizens."

Infrastructure

"Embrace the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental benefit by retooling our infrastructure with green technology, adapting vacant buildings and open spaces for new uses, and creating healthy, family-supporting jobs."

Vision

"Create a comprehensive vision for transit-linked, high-quality, walkable urban centers in Detroit."