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OUR DISTRICT

Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, and Southgate represent the hardworking heart of Downriver. We are a community defined not by the 'elite,' but by the people who punch a clock every day to build the products the world relies on.

While national politics often feels designed to divide us, our neighborhoods have always operated differently: we have each other’s backs. We believe in the dignity of work, the strength of our schools, and the fundamental duty to fight for our neighbors. I am running to ensure that the voices of our working families are heard in Lansing, and to protect the community that has always been the backbone of Michigan.

MEET JOANNA

Dear Downriver,

My name is Joanna Whaley. I’ve lived in Southeast Michigan my whole life, and I know House District 2, containing Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, parts of Southgate, inside and out. I’ve been here as our neighborhoods go through good times and tough times, and I know how strong, hardworking, and generous our communities are.

As a parent and a clinical spiritual care provider in local hospitals, I’ve held the hands of people in their hardest moments. I’ve seen families worry more about hospital bills than healing. I’ve listened to people fear losing their homes, their savings, or their dignity. That’s why I’m running for Michigan’s 2nd District, to make sure Lansing works for us, not just special interests.

Whether it’s repairing roads in Lincoln Park, fixing water issues in Melvindale and across the district that drive up bills, or addressing cost-of-living issues in Allen Park, no issue is too small or too big if it affects our daily lives. Together, we can make Downriver more prosperous, safer, stronger, and more fair for every family, worker, and retiree.

Sincerely,

Joanna Whaley

TOP ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY

Economic Fairness

Many in District 2 work hard but still struggle to make ends meet. Over the past decades, corporate profits have soared, but workers’ wages have barely kept up with inflation.

I’ve experienced financial hardship firsthand. Coming out as transgender meant rebuilding my life and career. My Christian faith, family, and community supported me as I went back to college and became a spiritual care provider.

I will fight for:

  • Lower utility bills and fair treatment of consumers

  • Fair wages and the right to negotiate pay

  • Job training programs for anyone who wants to learn new skills

  • Medical debt relief and fair insurance practices

  • Holding corporations accountable if they pay workers below the poverty line while earning huge profits

Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild, recover, and thrive… without fear that a single setback will derail their lives. 

Healthcare Access

Working in hospitals, I’ve seen families struggle to access care. Some have insurance, but they still fear bankruptcy over medical bills.

I will fight for:

  • Affordable, high-quality healthcare for everyone

  • Stronger oversight to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying coverage

  • Medical Debt relief for people struggling to pay of their medical bills and take care of other basic necessities

  • Reproductive rights and access to the care individuals need

Healthcare is about dignity and security. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying bills and saving lives.

Public Safety

In 2023, I faced a death threat in a Metro Detroit church simply because of who I am. The police acted quickly, and I’m grateful, but it reminded me that safety is not guaranteed for everyone.

I will fight for:

  • Community policing programs that build trust between residents and officers

  • Early intervention for people at risk of violence

  • Common-sense strategies to reduce gun violence

  • Partnerships with local organizations to prevent crime before it happens

Everyone deserves to walk home safely, send their kids to school safely, and live without fear of violence.

Civil Liberties

As a transgender woman running to represent every member of our district regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs, I deeply know the value of freedom and the value of protecting our freedoms.

I will fight for:

  • Free speech, including speech I disagree with

  • Equal access to work, school, housing, and public spaces

  • Rights to vote, worship, and make personal choices without undue government interference

Downriver should be a place where every Michigander, no matter their background, can work, thrive and live freely.

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