Kelly Garrett

Kelly Garrett is the Democratic candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives, District 18, in the November 3, 2026 general election, facing Republican Ryan Foster in a race with no incumbent.[1][2] In a Ballotpedia survey, she described herself as a 15-year public servant in Lathrup Village, including eight years as mayor, who currently serves as mayor pro tem.[3]

Kelly Garrett was born in Detroit, Michigan, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester in 2006 and a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in 2010, according to Ballotpedia.[2] Her listed career experience is working as a Michigan director for a national nonprofit.[2] In her survey responses, she said she returned to Rochester Christian University in 2025 as Director of Development - Major Gifts, and that she is board secretary and past president of Mothering Justice and a board member of the South Oakland YMCA.[3]

Garrett sought the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Michigan's 12th District in 2022, finishing third with 8,334 votes (8.6 percent) in a primary won by incumbent Rashida Tlaib.[2] She won the 2026 Democratic primary for Michigan House District 18 on August 4, 2026, receiving 18,581 votes in an uncontested race.[2]

In her Ballotpedia survey, Garrett listed affordable and accessible healthcare, advocacy for workers, and fair revenue sharing for cities as her three key messages.[3] She also said she is focused on affordable housing, public school investment and workforce pathways, and policies such as paid leave.[3] Ballotpedia lists endorsements including the UAW, the Michigan Association for Justice and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.