About Carol
A
Leader
For
The
Future
A West Michigan educator
Born to a blue collar family, Carol learned public service from her parents. Her mom was a nurse who led Carol’s Girl Scout troop and her dad was an Air Force veteran and union factory worker.
That family tradition of service led her to work as a classroom teacher and education leader for more than two decade. She’s taught at all levels, from pre-K through adult education, including masters-level coursework for teachers. She’s worked in public, private, and charter schools, mentored student teachers and led technology integration at Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools. As a legislator, she currently serves as the minority vice chair on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Department of Education.
A citizen politician
Carol has always served her community through her engagement in community organizations. This work led to her appointment to the Walker City Commission, followed by re-election in 2020. And when the House seat for her district opened up in a special election, she stepped up to run and win a State House seat that hadn’t elected a Democrat in over 30 years. She’s now in her third term.
A successful advocate in Lansing
In the State House, she’s fought and won on several issues that make a real difference to West Michigan families, securing over $75 million including for the Fruit Ridge Bridge redesign, first responder equipment and training facilities, and beloved local attractions such as Blandford Nature Center, John Ball Zoo, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Sullivan (Valley) Field restoration. She’s also fought back attempts to cut education and healthcare. As federal policies continue to make life more expensive and less stable, Carol is working hard to help families put food on the table, send their kids to quality schools, and access the healthcare they need and deserve.
A chance to flip another seat
Now she’s running to turn State Senate District 30 blue. It’s one of the most competitive races in Michigan; Democrats came within 400 votes of winning in 2022. Grand Rapids can’t afford the status quo, and Carol’s the candidate to bring the change we need.
Focused on people.
Not politics.
Carol is embracing this new challenge because the current representation of Senate District 30 is not meeting the moment. West Michigan needs leadership grounded in community and common sense, and driven by urgency. Carol and her team would be so grateful for your support on her campaign for State Senate.
Recent Recognition
2023
- Project SEARCH: Leadership in Action Award
2024
- Michigan School Counselor Association Legislator of the Year
- Michigan Community Action Legislator of the Year
- School Community Health Alliance of Michigan Legislative Champion
2025
- Small Business Association of Michigan Legislator of the Year
- Michigan Library Association Legislator of the Year
- Head Start for Kent County Headstart Champion
- Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Network George K. Heartwell Champion for Children Award by
- Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Environmental Champion
Leadership Roles
- Chair, House Higher Ed policy committee (2023-2024)
- Commissioner, Midwest Higher Education Compact (2023-2024)
- Member, Great Lakes Legislative Caucus
- Member, National Council of State Legislators AI task force
- Member, National Council of State Legislators Education task force
- Minority Vice Chair, House Appropriations Subcommittee for School Aid and Michigan Department of Education
- Advisory Board, OPTIMISE Special Education Task Force
Carol’s Accomplishments
As a State Representative, Carol has been instrumental in passing key legislation including:
- Repealed the retirement tax and returned hard earned dollars to seniors
- Passed the working families tax credit giving families a break
- Protected reproductive healthcare and codified reproductive rights in state’s constitution
- Invested in early childhood education and employment programs for community college students
- Protecting our children from contaminants in drinking water
- Free school lunch and breakfast
- Repealing right to work and restoring prevailing wage
- Passing common sense gun safety laws
She’s secured over $75 million in investment into Kent County including:
- A new firefighter training facility in Grand Rapids
- Infrastructure upgrades like the Fruit Ridge overpass
- Upgrades and expansions at John Ball Zoo and Blandford Nature Center
- Upgrades to the GR Public Museum and Children’s Museum
- Restoration for historic Valley Field
Carol is no stranger to tough races.
She flipped that House seat in 2022 because the candidate wasn’t up to the moment and people were looking for a representative they could relate to and trust to be a real voice for the people. Now she challenges an incumbent in this race for many of the same reasons.The status quo isn’t working for the families of West Michigan, and it’s time for a change.
Paid for by Friends of Carol Glanville,
P.O. Box 140235, Grand Rapids, MI 49514
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