Ned Zimmer

Ned Zimmer graduated from Woodhaven High School. Zimmer earned a bachelor's degree from Lake Superior State University in 2014. Zimmer's career experience includes working as an IT specialist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Ned Zimmer. I’m a dad, a huge Detroit sports fan, and someone who has lived and worked a pretty normal life. I was born in Lansing, grew up in Woodhaven, and graduated from Woodhaven High School in 2004. I later graduated from Lake Superior State University, where I had the opportunity to work as the Director of Hockey Operations with the hockey program. Hockey has always been a big part of my life, and I still love the game today.

My work experience is all over the map, and I’m proud of that. I’ve worked roofing and landscaping, worked at pizza places and McDonald’s, worked retail, was a substitute teacher, and spent time as a stay-at-home dad. My most recent job outside of the IT work I do now was with Catapult Sports formerly XOS Digital, traveling the country working with coaches and athletic programs.

More than anything, I love being a dad and watching my kids grow. Outside of work and politics, I love history, traveling, hockey, Detroit sports, and seeing different parts of the country. I’ve visited 24 of the 32 MLB ballparks, and I firmly believe cereal is an acceptable snack at virtually any hour.

I never spent my life planning to become a politician. I’ve worked, started a family, paid bills, changed directions, and lived many of the same challenges as the people I hope to represent. That lived experience is a big part of who I am.

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?

My first key message is that I firmly believe the people have the power to change the system. We have been conditioned to believe our vote does not matter, politicians will not listen, and the system is too broken to fix. I reject that. Government belongs to us, and democracy only works when we participate, organize, speak up, and demand better. Real change does not start in Lansing or Washington; it starts in our neighborhoods and communities. I am running because I believe we can reject division, hold our leaders accountable, and build a government that works for ordinary people again. We do not have to accept politics as it is. Together, we have the power to change it.My second key message is that I will represent the people, and we will win together. I am not running to represent wealthy donors, corporations, or an ideology. I am running to represent the people who live and work in our communities. That means listening, showing up, fighting for our fair share, and putting the needs of this district ahead of political games. Winning is bigger than one election. We win when our schools have what they need, workers can build a good life, families can afford to stay here, and people trust that their representative is actually fighting for them. I will never forget who I work for. The people come first.My third key message is that we have to start building for the future instead of constantly reacting to the present. The decisions we make today about education, infrastructure, technology, energy, jobs, housing, and our communities will determine what kind of Michigan our children inherit. I want a state where working people can afford a good life, our kids have opportunities to stay and succeed here, and innovation strengthens our communities instead of exploiting them. We need leaders willing to think beyond the next election and make the tough decisions that prepare Michigan for the next generation. I am running to help build a future worth staying for.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about policies that directly impact working families and the future of our communities. Education is at the top of that list: supporting teachers, fully funding special education, expanding skilled trades and vocational opportunities, and fixing how Michigan funds its schools. I am also passionate about workers’ rights, affordability, infrastructure, good-paying jobs, and government accountability. As technology changes our economy, Michigan must lead on responsible AI and data center policy that protects our water, power grid, workers, privacy, and communities. Above all, I want government to work for people and build a Michigan where families can afford to live, work, raise their kids, and stay.

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

I have a lot of great mentors throughout my life that have helped guide my path and set the example for me to take from. One of my best mentors and friend is my cousin Blake, My Dzia Dzia and my cousins Renee and her husband Gary. My mom and dad, my aunts and uncles, Kris Dunbar, Linda Bouvet, Con Metro, Rich Metro, Damon Whitten, Gary Belfantz, George Denger. I mean it is important to surround yourself by people who care about you and want to see you succeed and it took a little time for me to find those people but when I did look out. There isn't a challenge I cannot face.

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

integrity, accountability and humility. Being a good person.

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

The core responsibility of a state representative is to represent the people of their district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people to know that I stepped up to run for office because I believe in my community and I want a future where my kids can live happily in a awesome State. I believe you can do anything and I am living proof.

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

addiction to nicotine

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

being on the same page to pass legislation that benefits people.

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

workforce, job creation, infrastructure, housing.

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

yes

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to have earned the support of working people and labor organizations across Michigan, including the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, IBEW, the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, UAW, Steelworkers, AFSCME, and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union. These endorsements mean a great deal to me because my campaign is built around workers, families, and communities. I am proud to stand with the people who build our communities, keep them running, and show up every day to make Michigan stronger. Hopefully more come in.