Jan Maino

Jan Maino earned a high school diploma from Northwest Community Schools. Maino earned a bachelor's degree and a graudate from Eastern Michigan University in 1994 and 1999, respectively. Maino's career experience includes working as a social worker.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have called Jackson County home for nearly 50 years, and for more than three decades, I have helped children and families overcome challenges and build stronger futures. As a social worker, nonprofit leader, and mental health therapist, I have dedicated my career to serving others and improving the systems people rely on.

Helping young people succeed has also shaped my work in public education. For more than 13 years, I have served on the East Jackson School Board, including as board president, where I have worked to support educators, improve our schools, and expand opportunities for students.

My work as a mental health therapist has given me a firsthand view of the challenges people face when they cannot access affordable care or the support they need. Throughout my career, I have learned that effective leadership starts with listening, bringing people together, and solving problems

I am running for State Representative because people deserve leaders who put communities before politics and solutions before division. I want to bring my people-first approach to Lansing and work to strengthen public education, expand access to affordable health and mental health care, support working families, and create more economic opportunity across our community.

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?

A Lifetime of Service, Not Politics: I have spent more than 30 years serving Michigan families as a social worker, nonprofit leader, mental health therapist, and school board president. I've worked directly with children, seniors, and working families to solve real problems instead of creating political division. I am running to bring that same practical, people-first leadership to Lansing and continue serving the community that has been my home for nearly 50 years.Fighting for Working Families and Affordable Living: Michigan families deserve a fair shot at success. I'll focus on lowering everyday costs by expanding access to affordable health care and mental health services, strengthening public education, supporting good-paying jobs, protecting workers' rights, and helping small businesses grow. My priorities are the issues families discuss around their kitchen tables, not partisan political agendas.Common Sense Leadership That Gets Results: Throughout my career, I've brought people together to solve problems, led organizations, and improved the systems families rely on. I believe elected officials should listen first, lead with integrity, and be accountable to the people they serve. I'll work with anyone willing to find practical solutions that strengthen our communities, protect fundamental rights, and create opportunities for every Michigander.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policies that strengthen education and expand access to mental health care because I have seen firsthand how both shape a person's future. As a school board president and mental health therapist, I understand the importance of investing in public schools, supporting educators, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I am equally committed to improving access to affordable, high-quality mental health services by strengthening the behavioral health workforce, reducing barriers to care, and treating mental health with the same urgency as physical health.