Veronica Paiz

Veronica Paiz was born in San Antonio, Texas. Paiz earned a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in 1980 and a graduate degree from New York University in 1992. She has served as a member of the Michigan Municipal League's Municipal Services and Elections Committees, an alternate voting delegate with Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, the director of Casa de Unidad, a member of the Recreation Advisory Board, a trustee of a local library board, a member of the New Detroit Inc. Cultural Exchange Network, and an executive board member of the Michigan Democratic Party Hispanic Latino Caucus. Paiz has also been affiliated with Focus: HOPE, the U-M Musical Society, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Public TV, and the Harper Woods K-9 Program fundraising committee for Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a State Representative serving my second term. I represent House District 10, which includes the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods, and Detroit east side communities of Yorkshire Woods, Cornerstone Village, East English Village, and Morningside. I serve on the House Finance Committee and am Minority Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Also, I'm a member of the following caucuses: Detroit, Legislative Disability, Progressive Women, Labor, Firearm Safety & Gun Violence Prevention, and Food and Farm. I'm a member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Midwest Executive Committee and a member of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus.

I was named 2025 Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Library Association for my "Right to Read" legislation.

I am a former Harper Woods City Council member (2015-2022), Library Board member, and Parks & Rec Board member.

I believe people who hold elected office must be committed, experienced, and accessible, and have the public’s trust. In the last 15 months, I've hosted 24 coffee hours, met individually in-district with 11 constituents, gave legislative updates at 7 city council meetings, hosted 7 town halls/resource events, attended 25 community meetings, and 31 community events. I LOVE MY DISTRICT!

Additionally, my husband and I have lived in Harper Woods since 1999; we live in the GP Schools district; and I have lived in three of the four Detroit communities I represent.

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 believe candidates and our elected representatives should have a history of community advocacy and volunteerism; my advocacy and activism started years before I ran for any elected office. I also believe we should be transparent and accessible -- transparent about our motivations and our work. I have all of these experiences and qualities both as a candidate and as an incumbent legislator. I have been active in my home community for 20 years, active in the Grosse Pointe communities almost as long, and have stayed familiar with my Detroit district area for years before I held elected office. I have always been accessible (even weekends) to constituents, and attend many events, and engage regularly with the people of HD-10.I'm focused on social justice and civil rights, and equitable legislation -- whether for our elections, housing, environmental justice, labor and workers, or agriculture/food.Constituent-focus. I'm working with 3 constituents, on legislation for apprenticeship programs for licensed massage therapists, notary publics (to reduce fraud), and about homeless/runaway youth. I like to meet with the people and learn their concerns, and work with them on resolving issues and crafting legislation.

Affordability and local government services is part of this focus. At the end of the day, most people want to know that their basic needs are being met. We all want assurance that our homes are secure, our drinking water is clean, our food is affordable, and that a police officer or firefighter will be at our door when needed. Through state budget and legislation, I aim to protect municipal workers and services.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing; Environment/Water; Senior Citizens; Food; Civil Rights and Social Justice.. This legislative term, I've sponsored bills addressing auto insurance rates for seniors, tenants' rights, water quality testing and reporting, cultural education, labor/workers, tort reform (regarding ADA animals), and library policies. Most recently, I've sponsored bills about: Labor (accrued leave and state contracts); water quality & standards; housing & tenants' rights; auto insurance discounts for seniors; and Death With Dignity.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

As of today, April 17: Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; State Senator Kevin Hertel; State Representatives Donavan McKinney, Kimberly Edwards, and (former Speaker of the House) Joe Tate; Wayne County Commissioner Tim Killeen; Harper Woods Mayor Pro-Tem Vivian Sawicki and council member Geri LaPratt; Grosse Pointe Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak; League of Conservation Voters; Sierra Club Michigan; and MI LIST.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a first-term representative for State House District 11; I'm running for re-election in the newly re-districted State House District 10 -- which includes the five Grosse Pointe cities, Harper Woods, and Detroit east side communities of Yorkshire Woods, Cornerstone Village, East English Village, and Morningside.

As a State Rep., I serve on the following committees: Higher Education; Local Gov't. and Municipal Finance; Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation; Agriculture (Majority Vice Chair). I'm a member of the following caucuses: Detroit; Legislative Latino; Legislative Disability; Autism; Labor; Poverty & Homelessness; Progressive Women's.

I am a Midwest States Executive Committee member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. I was the 2nd Vice Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Hispanic Latino Caucus, and a former Exec. Board member of the Grosse Pointe Democratic Club.

I served on Harper Woods City Council from 2015 - 2022, and was a member of the Parks & Rec and Library Boards prior to Council.

I'm a former Master Gardener, and I have arts degrees from Wayne State University and New York University. My work experience includes Detroit Public TV, Focus: HOPE, and Casa de Unidad. I was born in San Antonio, TX, raised in Michigan, and lived in New York. My husband and I have lived in Harper Woods for 25 years.

I have always loved being active in and engaged with my 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?

Experience matters. I will continue work with my Democrat colleagues to create and pass meaningful legislation. This past year, we have worked on -- and passed --legislation which became laws to protect reproductive healthcare; increase tax credits for families; provide no-charge meals for public school students; add civil rights protections for LGBTQ+; protect voting rights and safe elections; established gun safety regulations; and repealed the Republican tax on pensions. There's more work to do, and my experience as a first-term legislator has prepared me to continue and uplift that work.Representation matters. I'm focused on my constituents. I make myself available to District residents, have frequent coffee hours, attend community meetings and events, and work with constituents on their ideas for legislation. My office is quick to respond to constituent concerns and resolve problems.Diversity matters. Keeping the Democrat majority in the State House ensures legislation that recognizes the diversity of our communities and representation in state government. As the only incumbent State House Representative of Hispanic/Latino descent, I will continue to advocate for equitable and mindful legislation addressing the concerns of all people of color and underserved communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

a) Urban agriculture. b) Disabilities (healthcare and workforce). c) Labor. d) Environment. e) Local government. f) Senior citizens. g) Any policy that my constituents bring to my attention.

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

An elected official must be ethical, responsible, dependable, patient, resilient, curious, and have a strong work ethic.

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

Availability and accountability to constituents, and working first and foremost with them in mind.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Lewis Hyde's "The Gift: Imagination and the Erotic Life of Property". It's examination of cultural anthropology and the meaning of a gift is interesting and useful.

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

Ideally, that we're on the same page about the concerns and needs of Michiganders and how best to address them.

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

1) Staying a democracy; 2) Civil rights; 3) Labor shortages; 4) Environment and climate change.

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

Yes.

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

Yes. With 110 state representatives, it's best to have good working relationships for shared resources and a diversity of insights about problem solving and proposed legislation.

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

No.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Michigan House of Representatives Speaker of the House Joe Tate, and Senator Kevin Hertel. A list of other endorsements can be found on my campaign website.

What committees interest you?

I currently sit on the House policy committees that I asked to serve on: Agriculture (Majority Vice Chair); Higher Education; Local Government; Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation. Going forward, I'm also interested in Labor and Housing, and Appropriations.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe strongly in both, and believe the laws should be stronger than they are at this time.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 20+ year resident of Harper Woods and State House District 11, which includes most of St. Clair Shores in Macomb County (where I grew up), Detroit east side neighborhoods (where my husband and I met) and all of Harper Woods in Wayne County.

I was elected to City Council in 2015 and 2019, and have been active in my community for 15 years. I am a member of the Michigan Municipal League legislative committees for Elections and Municipal Services, and Michigan Women in Municipal Government.

I know from experience how local and State governments work and I have seen how legislation directly affects local government’s power and resources and equitable impact on communities.

As an Executive Board member of the Michigan Democratic Party Hispanic Latino Caucus, and as a woman, I know the importance of representation in government.

I believe our elected representatives must be passionate, committed, experienced, and have the public’s trust. I am running for office because I have proven myself to be the best candidate to represent the people of this District and work for meaningful change in the lives of Michiganders.

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?

Knowledge, experience and leadership. In seven years on the Harper Woods City Council, I’ve seen up close how legislation – good and bad – impacts the people of this District and I’ve come to understand the legislation our cities need to function and do the right thing for its residents. I have supported and advocated for laws which help Michigan residents, and have been vocal with our elected representatives about my opposition to others. As your representative in our State legislature, I will continue my advocacy and draft legislation representing the best interests of all people of District 11.I will focus on concerns of residents in State House District 11: legislation for equitable public school funding and equal education; ecologically responsible infrastructure for clean drinking water, to control shoreline flooding and prevent sewage spills into our homes and lake; home repair grants for low income senior homeowners; low cost childcare for working parents; a state recycling program; and safeguarding elections and voting rights. I will also advocate for people with disabilities and seniors, and will address local property tax concerns. I will continue to work with fellow Democrats for the diverse needs of all Michiganders, including expanding food security legislation, repealing “right to work” laws, and ending pension taxes.Lived experiences that unite this diverse District. Diverse communities have an immediate need for representation by leaders who reflect and understand that diversity. District 11 is both urban and suburban - I have lived in both environments and understand both the various and similar needs of residents. As a woman, a person of color and someone who grew up in a family on public assistance, I also understand the experiences of others with similar identities. I will work for strong legislation that is sensible and equitable to lift up all residents of District 11.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My overriding interest is social justice, which is a fairly broad umbrella. I believe that good legislation is equitable legislation. With that in mind….

I am passionate about public services legislation, including labor; the quality of our public services reflect the fairness and efficacy of our legislation and our general welfare – we live it and can see it up close and personal in our daily lives and the lives of others. Equally passionate about municipal autonomy. I’ve seen residents bear the brunt of legislation that prevents their city from responding to their needs.

I am passionate about environmental legislation (ergo, zoning legislation), which I believe is just as much about public health and pollution as it is about climate change.

I am passionate about women’s rights – which include the right to body autonomy (and abortion), and any legislation that protects women (such as the Violence Against Women Act, court reform, etc.).

I am passionate about health reform (health and medical accessibility, costs, caretakers, etc.)

The past couple of years I’ve become especially passionate about election law and voting rights, and the urgency of immediate action.

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

There are a good number of people that I admire and for different reasons.

Politically, and more recently, I admire:

Stacey Abrams, U.S. Representatives Katie Porter, and Tim Kaine.

Stacey Abrams for her organizing skills and dedication to voting rights, but just as importantly because she stays focused and keeps her eyes on the prize.

Katie Porter because she doesn’t beat around the bush and just gets down to business real quick (and her advocacy for consumers).

Tim Kaine for his experience and because he’s come up through the political ranks – he has served at every level of government and fully knows and understands how local, state, and federal governments operate.

Personally, I admire my paternal grandfather. He was left at the Mexico - U.S. border when he was a kid, raised himself, met my grandmother while working on a cotton farm, raised 11 kids (9 of his own), and had a successful grocery store business. All of his sons served in the U.S. military. He was hardworking, generous, committed, and a family man.

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

I believe a representative of any elected office has both duties and responsibilities.

The duties of a representative are understanding, listening to and collaborating with the people you serve and who elected you, keeping them informed and continuing to be regularly involved with the community.

A core responsibility is to follow through, be mindful, and do right by them – to first work in the best interests of the people and District they were elected to represent. I believe there is a responsibility for due diligence – finding facts and research, consulting for expertise, and collaborating with fellow representatives for perspective and support to pass legislation.

Over my years on the Harper Woods City Council, residents have held me accountable and shown confidence in my work for them; I will continue this work to fulfill both my duties and responsibilities to the people of District 11.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder, cover by Tori Kelly.

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

Being diagnosed with an auto-immune illness when I was younger, and the treatment for the following ten years was a long term struggle. Besides feeling horrible, my physical abilities became limited during that time, there were side effects from the medications, difficulties in doing my job (I was lucky to have a sympathetic employer), and dealing with the financial costs of having an illness.

For as terrible a situation it was, it jolted me into awareness of the many ways illness can peripherally wreak havoc in someone’s life and family and their self-identity.

I know these issues, I know others who every day face these and similar challenges themselves or in trying to get care and support for a family member. It has prompted my interest in health and insurance legislation, even labor issues for caretakers and healthcare workers.

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

Absolutely yes in government, and especially for State Representatives who serve only two year terms.

Any legislator should start the job already having been active in the community and working on the people’s behalf; there’s no time for a possibly risky learning curve.

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

Yes. I believe it’s always good to establish working relationships with colleagues in any line of work and build alliances.

In the case of Michigan State House Districts’ over 100 representatives, we need to learn about and understand common (or not) concerns and issues of all Michiganders. Also, building alliances offers a diversity of perspectives and can make us aware of challenges of other people throughout the State, which can lead to positive and comprehensive legislation.

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

I believe compromise is sometimes necessary for better legislation or to prevent worst case scenarios.

However, for as much as I believe in a means to an end, I also believe that good legislation isn’t a compromise of values or the integrity of the people I would represent. There may be times when compromise isn’t in the best interest of the people of District 11.