David Michel | |
---|---|
Member of the
Connecticut House of Representatives from the 146th district | |
Assumed office January 9, 2019 | |
Preceded by | Terry Adams |
Personal details | |
Born | Nevers, France | August 8, 1974
Political party | Democratic |
Occupation | Entrepreneur, activist |
Website | http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Michel |
David Michel (born August 8, 1974) is an American politician who is a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 146th district in Fairfield County. Michel Co-Chairs the CT Animal Advocacy Caucus with fellow State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria. [1]
David Michel has described himself as a " progressive Democrat". [2] In the Connecticut House of Representatives, Michel has proposed bills enabling Connecticut municipalities to allow ranked-choice voting, [3] authorized state funding for a study on excessive rent increases, [4] banning the sale of products containing kangaroos, [5] and establishing an "Office of the Food Access Advocate" to aim to eliminate food deserts in the state. [6] Michel has advocated for a public state bank, splitting the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection into two different agencies, a $15 minimum wage, and universal pre-K. [7]
Michel has spoken in favor of Black Lives Matter movement, [8] as well as the Independent Drivers Guild, a group of rideshare drivers advocating for better pay. [9] Michel has been critical of increased development in Stamford during the 21st century, and has said it raises concerns about the local environment and displacement of existing residents. [7]
As of 2018, Michel is a member of the environmentalist non-profit Sea Shepherd. [2]
Michel unsuccessfully contended for State Senator for Connecticut's 27th District in 2014 under the Green Party banner. [10] Michel won 1.6% of the vote, compared to Democrat Carlo Leone, who won 54.7% of the vote, and Eva A. Maldonado, who won a combined 43.7% on the Republican Party and Independent Party lines. [10]
Michel won the Democratic Party primary election for the 146th District of the Connecticut House of Representatives on August 14, 2018, against incumbent Terry B. Adams, winning 68.5% of the vote versus Adams' 31.5%. [11]
Michel was elected in the general election for the 146th District on November 6, 2018, winning 72.4% of the vote, versus the 27.6% won by Republican candidate Dan Pannone. [12]
Michel was re-elected to serve the 146th District on November 3, 2020, winning 70.5% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate George Hallenbeck, who won 29.5%. [13]
MIchel was again re-elected for the 146th District in November 2022, winning 63.3% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Jessica Demmo, who won 33.3%, and Independent Party candidate Thomas Concannon, who won 3.4%. [14]
David Michel also works as a wholesale distributor for designer European eyewear. [15]
Michel was born in Nevers, France, [2] and moved to the United States at the age of fourteen. [7] Michel has stated that his mother is an advocate for French retirees living abroad, and was once a regular speaker in the French National Assembly. [16] His father, Jacques Michel (French/American born in Australia), has been a commissioned agent in the Steel industry most of his life after his role as Director of Sales for a French steel manufacturer. [ citation needed][ clarification needed] As of 2020, Michel is married to his wife Jenny. [15]