Rhonda Powell

Rhonda Powell (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Michigan's 10th Congressional District. She was disqualified from the Democratic primary on August 6, 2024.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 4th generation resident of Macomb County and current resident of Mount Clemens. Throughout my childhood, I spent countless hours with my grandfather - who was also a bishop, as he visited the sick, supported laid off families, and mentored many young people. He taught me at an early age to “leave people better off than you found them or leave them alone.”

Today, I am the director of operations for We The People Action Fund (WTPAF), an impactful organization with more than 30 staff across the state, and a leading progressive force in Michigan.

As the previous executive director of multiple nonprofit organizations and the first African American director appointed to lead several government departments, I have accumulated a 20-year track record of advocacy for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Some include Head Start children, families experiencing homelessness and older adults. I am a champion for equity, protecting our civil rights and opportunities for small business development. I am a certified Sixth Sigma Green Belt, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena Heights University, and a Master of Science degree from Capella University, both concentrated in Human Service. I'm proud to sit on multiple governing boards and to have received multiple recognitions including the 2019 Athena Award.

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?

For over 20 years I have been a public servant that the community trusts to resolve their issues with education, equity, food insecurity, housing, and senior services. I understand how to fix legislation and policies that do more harm than help everyday people.I am proud to be a leader that has successfully led multiple efforts to create community resource centers, build public/private partnerships, small business development and multiracial coalitions that capitalize on our rich history of diversity.My platform mirrors my track record. I am the only candidate in this race that has led multiple government departments, nonprofit organizations, and small business development initiatives across Macomb County and the region. Just as I learned from my grandfather, I will continue to leave people better off than I found them.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am a passionate advocate for the people Washington continues to leave behind. As a kid who benefit from Macomb County Head Start, I will fight to ensure pre-K for all children and access to good public schools. I will also focus on making healthcare more affordable, guard against exploitation of our seniors, combat climate change, restore our fourth amendment protections, voting rights, and help working families not just get by, but thrive.