Betsy Coffia
Betsy Coffia is an American politician serving as a member of the Michigan [House of Representatives] from the Michigan's 103rd [House of Representatives district|103rd district]. Elected in November 2022, she assumed office on January 1, 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Early life and education
Coffia was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, on September 7, 1977, and was raised in Rapid City, Michigan. She earned an Associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Ferris State University.Career
Coffia began her career as a newspaper reporter in 1997, and worked for six years as a weekly newspaper editor. After receiving a degree from Ferris State University, she became a Head Start social worker.In 2016, Coffia ran for Michigan's 104th district, but lost to incumbent Larry Inman. In 2018, Coffia successfully ran for a seat in the Grand [Traverse County, Michigan|Grand Traverse County] Commission, having flipped a district with a multi-term Republican incumbent. She was re-elected in 2020. In 2020, while serving on the Grand Traverse County commission, Coffia underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.
In 2022 [Michigan House of Representatives election|2022], Coffia ran for the newly redrawn 103rd district, and won, defeating Republican Jack O'Malley, who was then serving from the 101st district.
In 2024, Coffia won renomination in the Democratic primary, and was endorsed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and EMILY's List. Coffia won reelection, defeating Republican challenger Lisa Trombley.