Mark Schauer has dedicated his life to serving those around him and fighting for Michigan workers and businesses. Growing up in mid-Michigan – the son of a public school teacher and a nurse – Mark learned the value of hard work and contributing to your community at an early age.

As the owner of a small retail shop, Mark understands the challenges Michigan businesses are currently facing. To turn our economy around, he’s fought for fair trade policies that will help our businesses compete with countries like China and Mexico, and he’s worked to make sure Michigan gets its fair share from Washington to fix our crumbling roads and bridges.

Mark knows we can’t turn our economy overnight, but he’s committed to turning it around one job at a time.

Public Service

After earning his degree from Albion College, Mark pursued a career in the community services field. As the executive director of the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan and coordinator for the Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council, he was responsible for making sure children had access to early education programs like Head Start and that people struggling with energy and health care bills had somewhere to turn.

Mark's involvement in the community made him a natural choice to serve on the Battle Creek City Commission from 1994-1996. He won his first race for the Michigan House of Representatives in 1996, and was re-elected in 1998 and 2000.

Following his re-election to the State Senate in 2006, Mark was chosen by his colleagues to serve as the Senate Democratic Leader. In this position, Mark was a consistent advocate for quality schools, early childhood development, job training and economic development, and access to health care.

Mark has earned a reputation as an independent voice and someone who’s not afraid to work hard and take on challenges to get results for the people he represents.

In 2008, Mark was elected to represent Michigan’s 7th district in the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Tim Walberg. Mark is the only member of the Michigan delegation serving on the House Agriculture Committee, and he currently serves as Vice Chair of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee – two key positions that have allowed Mark to fight for Michigan farmers, businesses and workers.

Family Life

Mark flies home to Michigan almost every weekend to spend time with his wife, Christine. They have three children and two grandsons. Whenever he's home, Mark starts every day by taking his dogs Sheila and Shep for a morning jog.