Brandell Adams

Brandell Adams was born in Chicago, Illinois. He earned a high school diploma from Bridgeport Community High School and a bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 2019. His career experience includes working in accounting.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brandell Adams is a lifelong resident of Saginaw County, raised in the rural community of Bridgeport Township by a hardworking single mother who juggled three jobs as a nurse in Essexville, Frankenmuth, and Montrose. Growing up in poverty and eventually being placed in foster care, Brandell gained a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing Michigan’s most vulnerable communities. This experience fuels his passion for economic justice and youth advocacy.

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At just 21, he became the youngest General Manager at Little Caesars in franchise history, later rising to Chair of the Saginaw Democratic Party, where he has invested nearly a decade organizing for working-class families. Since officially joining the Democratic Party in 2015, he has championed uplifting communities and delivering for the people of Michigan. His deep commitment to youth intervention programs has helped double services and outreach for at-risk youth, many of whom share similar lived experiences.

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Appointed as a Bridgeport Township Trustee in 2021, he has since been re-elected twice. Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Brandell to serve on the Michigan Board of Psychology, now serving as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee. In addition to holding past leadership roles in faculty diversity and equity councils, he supports second-chance learners as the Second Chance Pell Coordinator and Work Study/Student Employment Coordinator at Delta College.

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Brandell holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in

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?

It is time for stable, common-sense leadership. Brandell Adams is the leader who will defend Mid-Michigan values in Lansing. That means preserving good-paying jobs, lowering the cost of living, and building a stronger future for Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland.Brandell Adams has spent the last ten years fighting for Mid-Michigan as a township official, party and community leader, and advocate for young people.Brandell Adams will be a voice for Mid-Michigan families in Lansing and will ensure that policies reflect the needs and values of Mid-Michigan communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Brandell Adams is passionate about job growth, affordability, education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure.

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

The characteristics or principles most important for an elected official are fairness, transparency, and the ability to listen to the will of the voters while working hard to execute that will, turning it into legislation.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include drafting, debating, and voting on legislation. State Senators represent the interests of their constituents and advocate for policies that align with their community's needs.

State Senators review and monitor the actions of the executive branch, including state agencies. They participate in committees that hold hearings to investigate issues, review budgets, and evaluate state programs.

What legacy would you like to leave?

It is important that a legislator leaves an impact on their community and is known for creating opportunities for all.

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

The ideal relationship between the governor and the legislature is one of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.

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

Michigan's greatest challenges include a need for economic diversification and investment beyond its traditional manufacturing base; crumbling infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges; an education system in need of support and consistent funding, highlighted by a teacher shortage and lagging performance; providing access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure; and a shrinking workforce and population due to a lack of good-paying jobs.

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

It is beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics, as it allows a legislator to understand how government works, while having insight into public administration.

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

It is beneficial to build relationships with other legislators as these connections help build coalitions, get support for legislation, and create the environment necessary to work collaboratively across party lines.

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

The voters of Michigan deserve legislators with fresh vision and a new approach - legislators who are focused on moving Michigan forward, not on business as usual.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

The voters of Michigan deserve legislators who are fully committed to reinvigorating the state's economy, lowering the cost of living, and investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure - legislators who are not focused on careerism.

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?

Federal cuts to healthcare are impacting voters in Michigan. Legislators will have to commit to bold solutions around providing quality healthcare for the state's residents.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature should weigh the nature and severity of each emergency, as well as the urgency and legal ramifications of granting emergency powers. If granted, the legislature should be circumspect in setting the time frame, scope, and limitations of granted powers.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

With the rising cost of living and an affordability crisis, the state legislature must quickly consider ways to encourage investment in housing, including upgrades to existing housing, as well as spurring new builds that attract mixed-income residents.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

The current state ballot initiative process is rigorous while being accessible enough for Michigan residents to address issues that are meaningful to them.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

Michigan has consistently exemplified election integrity.

Brandell Adams did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.