McDonald Rivet, Kristen

Kristen McDonald Rivet represents Michigan's 8th Congressional District, which includes Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. She entered the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2025 after serving in the Michigan State Senate. Before her time in elected office, she built a career in public policy and community leadership, serving as the executive director of the Michigan Head Start Association, chief of staff for the Michigan Department of Education, and vice president of the Skillman Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint.

In the House, McDonald Rivet serves on the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Her subcommittee work focuses on commodity markets, rural development, highways, and transit. Her legislative priorities center on economic relief for working families, including efforts to increase the earned income tax credit and improve military financial literacy. She has also sponsored legislation aimed at enhancing clean water infrastructure and addressing food and energy affordability.

Within the Democratic caucus, McDonald Rivet holds a leadership role as the Freshman Leadership Representative for the New Democrat Coalition. This position allows her to represent the interests of first-term members within the coalition of centrist Democrats. Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for policies related to affordable childcare, education reform, and middle-class tax relief.