Kelly Garrett

Kelly Garrett was born in Detroit, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester in 2006 and a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in 2010.Her career experience includes working as a Michigan director for a national nonprofit.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kelly Garrett is a proven leader and dedicated public servant with 15 years of service to the City of Lathrup Village, including 8 years as Mayor and currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem. As the first African American Mayor, she led the transformation of the city, and under her leadership, the majority of its antiquated infrastructure was modernized. Her leadership is defined by courage, inclusion, and an unwavering commitment to putting people first.

Kelly has built a reputation as a champion for justice and community, serving as board secretary and past president of Mothering Justice and as a board member of the South Oakland YMCA. Now, she is running for Michigan State Representative in the 18th District, ready to bring that same results-driven leadership to a broader stage.

In 2025, she returned to Rochester Christian University as Director of Development – Major Gifts, continuing her passion for opportunity and impact. In honor of her late son, she established the Chandler Gibson Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which has raised over $80,000 to support students for years to come.

An award-winning leader, Kelly has been recognized by Rochester Christian University, the Michigan Chronicle, and the Troy Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree while pursuing her doctorate.

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?

Affordable and accessible healthcare

Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare without fear of crushing costs. I will fight to lower healthcare expenses, protect coverage, and expand access so families do not have to choose between seeing a doctor and paying their bills.Advocacy for Workers

People who work hard should be able to make ends meet. I will stand up for fair wages, safe workplaces, and policies that respect the dignity of work so families can put food on the table, keep the lights and heat on, and remain secure in their homes.Fair Revenue Sharing for Cities

Cities need reliable funding to maintain roads, water systems, public safety, and essential services. I will advocate for fair revenue sharing so communities receive the state support they are owed and can plan for the future with confidence.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about policies that make life more affordable and stable for working families. That starts with accessible healthcare, ensuring no one has to choose between their health and their finances, and addressing disparities in underserved communities. I am also focused on affordable housing, so people can live safely without being priced out, and seniors can age in place. Education is a priority, with stronger investment in public schools and workforce pathways. I also support economic fairness, including livable wages, safe workplaces, and policies like paid leave. At my core, I believe government should make people’s lives better.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Michigan Association for Justice

Sheet Metal Workers' Local 80

Michigan Democratic Black Caucus

Black Mayors of Michigan

2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction

Vicki Barnett

Former Mayor of Farmington Hills & State Representative - District 37

Tyrone Carter

State Representative - District 1

Noah Arbit

State Representative - District 20

Donavan McKinney

State Representative - District 11

Garlin Gilchrist

MI Lieutenant Governor

Michael Bridges

Farmington Hills City Councilman

Dave Coulter

Oakland County Executive

Congresswoman Haley Stevens

US Representative - 11th District

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib

US Representative - 12th District

Southfield School Board President Talisha Belk

and more......

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

MyKale (Kelly) L. Garrett currently serves as Mayor of Lathrup Village; the first African

American to hold this role. Prior to her ascension to Mayor, Ms. Garrett was Mayor Pro Tem

from 2013 to 2017. Along with her work as a public servant, Ms. Garrett is passionate about

serving the community through charitable service. Her past board leadership has included

Chair/President of the Southfield Lathrup Democratic Club, and the Family-Centered Care

Advisory Council at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She presently serves on the Board of

the national non-profit Mothering Justice (positions held: Board President and Board

Secretary) and Subsidiary Advisory Board Member for Community Health at St.

John/Ascension Hospital. Most recently, she was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the

Michigan State Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity.

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 am here today as a sitting Mayor of a city facing the same challenges of any city in America - families making tough decisions about gas prices, the rising costs of health care, having enough food on the table, will they be able to afford college or some form of post-secondary education, and the list goes on.I will be here tomorrow as we face a new set of challenges around climate control, renewable energy, crime and violence in our neighborhoods, and the survival of our small businesses just to name a few.I am and will be the best advocate for you in Washington, DC and here in the 12th District.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My campaign priorities:

1) Public Safety - support for police and fire

2) Healthcare - everyone deserves affordable health care

3) Infrastructure - adequate learning environment for our young people, ensuring safe and structurally sound environments

4) Support for small businesses - cornerstones for employment and economic development

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

The person that I look up to the most is Harriet Taubman. She was a little woman that made a huge impact on black American history. She fought for basic freedoms for people even when it threatened her own life.

I would follow the example of Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick because she was successful to get a seat on the House Appropriation committee in her second term and remained on the committee through her remaining 12 years. During her tenure on the Appropriation committee she directed federal funds back to her districts. My goal is to make sure that the people of the 12th district receive the same focus of bringing home the “bacon”.

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

Elected officials must live by the principle that they are hired by the people, for the people and not vice versa. We must remember that when we are elected we become public servants. Servants are defined as “a person who performs duties for others”. When elected officials remember they are in office to serve their constituents and nothing more then the results is good government.

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

Determination, drive, and eagerness to help people to navigate this interesting thing called "life". Kelly is the only candidate that has worked in public office for free. She cares about people and is determined to bring money back to the district.

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

My first historical event was when Ronald Reagan got shot. I was in elementary school.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at Pier One. I had the sales position for approximately one year.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Protecting our environment - socially and environmentally

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits when first introduced served it purpose at that particular time. Everyone needs more time to become an effective legislator vs having to be reelected every two years.

Both sitting representatives 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?

The most impactful for me was a woman who was working for $15/hour and on food stamps that decided to run for State Senate. She was the example of her base. She eventually unseated a seated State Senator.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is desirable for policymaking. Kelly Garrett knows how to work across the aisle and is known as the Great Equalizer.