As election season comes to a close, Americans have seen some drastic changes to our government. However, one thing that has not changed is the reelection of Congressional District 11’s representative in the House of Representatives, Democrat Haley Stevens.
Rep. Stevens made history in 2018 when she was elected to be the first woman to represent Michigan’s 11th District. Rep. Stevens has just been reelected for her fourth term in the House of Representatives. Her district includes parts of Oakland County, including Berkley. For many residents in this area, Rep. Stevens serves as their representative in the House.
Rep. Stevens grew up in Oakland County, the very county that she represents in Congress. She graduated from Seaholm High School and later went to American University in Washington D.C.; She now lives in Rochester Hills. I got the opportunity to speak with her in regard to her role and her upcoming term.
I first asked Rep. Stevens why she first decided to run for representative, she explained, “I decided to run for Congress shortly after the 2016 election cycle. As a product of Oakland County and former Chief of Staff to President Obama’s Auto Task Force, I felt very connected to the people of southeast Michigan. The residents of Metro-Detroit are reliant upon the auto industry; it is the foundation for our economy.” Rep. Stevens continued, “I ran for Congress to help strengthen our manufacturing economy, improve our education system, and help Michigan’s small businesses thrive. I was also compelled to stand up for equality and advancing a system of justice that works for everyone.” As Rep. Stevens approaches her next term, she will keep these ideas in mind.
As a Congresswoman, Rep. Stevens holds many important responsibilities. She explains, “As the representative for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, I author and help pass federal legislation meant to improve the lives of my constituents and the American public.” For those who live in or near Berkley, this likely includes you. She continued, “To effectively represent our communities in Oakland County, I’ve focused on issues that are tangible to the people who live here – such as labor and women’s rights, STEM education, gun violence prevention, and clean water. One of my responsibilities is also to direct federal funding to where it’s needed back home. For example, this year I was able to secure $981,087 for the City of Auburn Hills to improve and modernize their Fire Department.” Rep. Stevens has been working hard to help the communities that she represents to continue to grow and thrive.
Rep. Stevens has to wear many hats as a representative. When I asked what the best part of her job was, she said that she loves helping people and “reminding them I work for them.” She continued, “I first ran for Congress in 2018 because I felt that Michigan deserved a person who would not only advocate for their beliefs but protect their interests while legislating on national issues.” One way Rep. Stevens tries to stay connected with her constituents is through her Manufacturing Mondays. “It’s a program through which I visit small- and mid-size businesses, training centers, schools, and other places that play a role in southeast Michigan’s manufacturing and innovation economy. These types of regular conversations with constituents allow me to stay in tune with what the district needs most.”

Rep. Stevens then went on to explain the more difficult aspect of her job, as she has to represent a large population of people. She said, “I meet so many amazing people as your Congresswoman. I represent over 750,000 individuals who have different experiences and values, all of which I aim to represent in Congress. But that’s also a challenge. So, I always try to listen, learn, lead – in that order – to make sure every voice is heard.” Rep. Stevens provides an opportunity to call, email, or request an appearance on her website, for those who wish to get in contact.
Rep. Stevens has had experience serving in Congress. I asked how her perspective has changed throughout her terms, she said, “It is amazing how much I have been able to do to move the ball forward and accomplish our goals since I was elected to Congress. All you hear about is “gridlock,” but we really do so much and assist so many people. Learning from and working with local elected leaders has also made such a large impact on my work, and I have come to know the communities in our district in such a unique way. Congress is made up of people from all over our country. This is such a unique job, and a great way to learn about different perspectives.”
Rep. Stevens has worked hard these last six years to help better the communities. She told me what she is most proud of, she said, “Since I was elected to Congress in 2018, I’ve been dedicated to expanding American manufacturing capabilities and providing opportunities for every American to find a high-quality job. That’s why I was proud to play a major role in passing the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 which strengthened our global competitiveness, funded federal STEM education programs, and encouraged semiconductor manufacturing here at home.” Rep. Stevens has been a part of the government through its highs, lows and uncertain times, she explains that “Our economy faced major blows during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the CHIPS and Science Act has been instrumental in helping us recover. There is still work to be done, which is why I introduced the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act and Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024. We have a long way to go, but I’m very proud to be a champion of the American workers and innovation.”
Rep. Stevens is striving to create even more progress in her next term. She explained that since Democrats no longer have control in the Senate or the House of Representatives, this is causing a greater divide in our country. She said, “We need to find a way to keep the politics out of the policy” and went on to say that she is “working on some innovative ways to create a government where everyone is heard.” Along with decreasing the polarization of the U.S., Rep. Stevens is focusing on, “expanding American manufacturing capabilities and empowering the American people”. She continued, “We need to secure our supply chains against global threats – from natural disasters to bad actors. We need to improve our education. Our greatest tool in an increasingly globalized world is the spirit of the American people. There are a lot of different issues that we need to address. The American people want progress despite the political disconnect, and that is what I’d like to see accomplished in the 119th Congress.”
Rep. Stevens represents nearly 750,000 people, which is no easy task. When asked what inspires her to keep going, she said, “My biggest inspirations are the strong women in my family. I ran for Congress as a part of a wave of women getting into politics and am the first woman to represent Michigan’s 11th District. Since day one, my mom, Maria, has been my number-one cheerleader on the campaign trail and on Capitol Hill. Growing up around her and my aunts made me the person I am today, and I am working to make sure every American girl has that sense of empowerment.” Rep. Stevens has broken countless barriers and is continuing to for equality and equal representation, especially in a place such as politics.
Congresswoman Rep. Stevens has made great strides to better the lives of her constituents. She is fighting for you on the Congressional floor and throughout these next two years she will continue to!
Lastly, a message from Rep. Stevens to the students of Berkley High School, “Over 20% of my constituents are under the age of 18, that includes you. Even if you are not able to vote yet, the youth voice can play an integral role in our community, and it is my job to represent your interests in Washington, D.C. So, speak up for what you care about, organize with your peers, and get involved. As your representative in Congress, I care deeply about how my actions impact you, and my door is always open to hear from you. I love being Oakland County’s representative in Congress. You, my constituents, are incredibly important to me, and I am committed to getting to know you all and representing your needs on Capitol Hill. You can also always find me around town. I love being in downtown Berkley, and I have lots of friends in Huntington Woods as well. You are part of the bragging point of my job!”