The strongest legislators are those who pair a deep commitment to their communities with the ability to deliver meaningful results. Since taking office in 2021, State Representative Helena Scott has established herself as a thoughtful policymaker, an effective coalition builder, and a tireless advocate for Detroit families. Her record reflects a consistent focus on expanding opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods, and advancing legislation that improves the lives of working people. For these reasons, the Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Helena Scott for re-election to Michigan’s 8th House District.
A lifelong Detroiter, graduate of Detroit Public Schools, and alumna of Marygrove College, Scott’s commitment to public service was shaped long before she arrived in Lansing. She spent more than two decades as a union member and trainer with United Airlines before serving as Lead Organizer for Southeast Michigan Jobs with Justice, where she worked alongside labor, faith, and community organizations to advance workers’ rights, fair wages, and paid sick leave. That background gave her firsthand experience building consensus among diverse stakeholders – an approach that continues to define her legislative leadership today.
Scott’s effectiveness is reflected not only in her advocacy but in her legislative record. Since arriving in Lansing, she has sponsored 77 bills and resolutions, offered seven amendments, and cast nearly 3,000 recorded votes on behalf of her constituents. Beyond those numbers, she has helped advance landmark legislation restoring prevailing wage protections, repealing Michigan’s right-to-work law, expanding protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, providing free breakfast and lunch for Michigan public school students, rolling back the retirement tax for many seniors, and strengthening commonsense gun safety laws. She also sponsored legislation establishing May 2 as Negro Leagues Day in Michigan, recognizing the enduring legacy of the Detroit Stars and the Negro Leagues’ profound contribution to American history. Together, these accomplishments reflect a legislator focused not simply on introducing bills, but on helping enact policies that improve the lives of working families.
Representative Scott has also earned the trust of her colleagues through leadership. As Chair of the House Energy, Communications and Technology Committee, she oversees legislation affecting Michigan’s energy future, broadband expansion, and communications infrastructure. She also serves on committees addressing housing, insurance and financial services, regulatory reform, and higher education while helping establish the bipartisan Legislative Care Caucus to elevate the needs of caregivers and Michigan’s growing senior population.
Her record has earned the confidence of leaders across government, labor, and community organizations. Endorsements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, organized labor – including UAW Regions 1 and 1A, AFSCME, and IBEW Local 58 – and advocacy organizations such as Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and GIFFORDS reflect broad confidence in her ability to translate community priorities into legislative action. The diversity of that coalition matters because it represents educators, skilled trades workers, healthcare advocates, public safety leaders, and neighborhood organizations that have worked alongside Scott and witnessed her effectiveness firsthand.
The 8th House District deserves experienced leadership that understands Detroit’s history while helping shape its future. Helena Scott has demonstrated that effective representation requires listening, collaborating, and delivering measurable results. Her legislative accomplishments, community roots, and unwavering commitment to public service have earned the trust of her constituents and colleagues alike.
For these reasons, the Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses Helena Scott for re-election to Michigan’s 8th House District.
