Tom Barrett (Michigan politician)

Thomas M. Barrett[1] (born April 30, 1981) is a Republican member of the Michigan Senate who was elected in 2018 to the 24th district. Previously he served in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2014 by defeating the incumbent, Democrat Theresa Abed.[2][3]

Tom Barrett
Member of the Michigan Senate
from the 24th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2019
Preceded byRick Jones
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 71st district
In office
January 1, 2015 – January 1, 2019
Preceded byTheresa Abed
Succeeded byAngela Witwer
Personal details
Born (1981-04-30) April 30, 1981
Southfield, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Ashley (m. 2008)
ResidencePotterville, Michigan
Alma materWestern Michigan University (B.A., political science)
WebsiteCampaign website
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceArmy National Guard
Years of service1999-present
RankChief Warrant Officer 2
UnitCompany B, 1-112th Aviation, 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, Grand Ledge
Battles/warsOperation Iraqi Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom

Prior to his election to the House, Barrett served as a liaison from the Michigan Department of Treasury to the Governor's office.[4]

Personal life, military service, and education

Barrett lives in Potterville with his wife Ashley and their three children, Patrick, Eleanora, and Gwendoline .

After graduating high school, Barrett joined the Army, where he has served for 19 years. He has served abroad in South Korea, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and Iraq, and is a veteran of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He continues to serve in the Michigan Army National Guard, holding the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.[5]

Barrett graduated from Western Michigan University earning a bachelor's degree in Political science.[6]

Election history

Barrett was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2014, narrowly beating Democratic incumbent Theresa Abed.[7]

Barrett won re-election in 2016, defeating Theresa Abed, again. Barrett garnered 54% of the vote to Abed's 43% and Libertarian Marc Lord's 3%.[8]

Career

Barrett has been a vocal critic of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's handing of the COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsored Senate Bill 858 in the state senate. This bill sought to regulate the governor's state of emergency powers, which she exercised in handling the pandemic. On July 31, 2020, Barrett tested positive for the coronavirus. These test results necessitated the cancelling of meetings of both the state house and senate, and allowed for persons who had recent contact with Barrett to quarantine for two weeks.[9][10]

References
  1. "Michigan Committee Statement of Organization". Michigan Secretary of State. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  2. "2014 Official Michigan General Election Results". Michigan.gov. State of Michigan. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  3. "Michigan 71st District State House Results: Tom Barrett Wins". Retrieved 2017-01-30.
  4. About Tom | Tom for Michigan
  5. http://gophouse.org. "Tom Barrett, District 71 - Michigan House Republicans". Michigan House Republicans. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  6. http://gophouse.org. "Tom Barrett, District 71 - Michigan House Republicans". Michigan House Republicans. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  7. "2014 Live Michigan election results: State House Districts 1-110". MLive.com. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  8. "2016 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/08/2016". miboecfr.nictusa.com. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
  9. "Republican Michigan senator critical of Gretchen Whitmer tests positive for COVID-19". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  10. "State Senate mulling rare Saturday session to meet quarantine requirement after GOP senator tested positive". Mlive. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
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