Dylan Wegela
Dylan Wegela | |
---|---|
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 26th district | |
Assumed office January 1, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Jim Ellison |
Personal details | |
Political party | Democratic |
Residence | Garden City, Michigan |
Alma mater | Eastern Michigan University |
Website | House website Campaign website |
Dylan Wegela is an American politician from Garden City, Michigan. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served in the Michigan House of Representatives for District 26 since 2023.[1][2][3]
Early life and education
[edit]Wegela grew up in Livonia, Michigan.[3][4] His parents both worked for the Danny's Foods grocery store during his childhood.[3] Later, his dad opened a bakery and a business that owns and operates vending machines, while his mom worked at a factory.[3] His grandparents worked at Ford and General Motors, and were members of UAW.[3][4]
He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.[4]
Early career
[edit]Before running for the Michigan House, Wegela spent 7 years as a teacher, union organizer, and education activist, living in South Korea, Arizona, and Michigan.[4]
Wegela "cut [his] teeth" organizing for Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign in 2016.[3] Later, he was part of the "Red for Ed" teacher strike wave in Arizona, where he founded Arizona Educators United and secured over $400 million for public education.[3] He then became president of his union local, the Cartwright Education Association.[3]
State legislature
[edit]House of Representatives
[edit]Wegela was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives on November 8, 2022.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Wegela resides with his wife Anna, a social worker, in Garden City.[4] He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Dylan Wegela". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Jackson, Colin (February 10, 2023). "Michigan House passes tax plan amid Republican shouts and opposition". Michigan Radio. Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Lucas, Peter (September 28, 2022). "How an Incoming Michigan State Representative Went From the Picket Line to the Ballot Box". Jacobin. Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Meet Dylan". Dylan Wegela for State Representative. January 19, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ "Michigan State House - District 26 Election Results | Detroit Free Press". www.freep.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ Detroit Democratic Socialists of America. "Solidarity with our comrade and DSA member @DylanWegela!". X.
External links
[edit]- Eastern Michigan University alumni
- People from Garden City, Michigan
- Living people
- Democratic Party members of the Michigan House of Representatives
- Members of the Democratic Socialists of America from Michigan
- Left-wing populism
- American anti-capitalists
- Michigan socialists
- 21st-century members of the Michigan Legislature