Educator. Organizer. Advocate.

Meet Deanne Austin

Deanne Austin is an educator, organizer, and community advocate who has spent her life working to make sure families have the opportunities they deserve.

She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where she deepened her commitment to service and began building the skills that would later define her as a leader and organizer. Like so many Michiganders, Deanne balanced work, school, and community responsibilities—experiences that gave her a real understanding of the challenges families face every day.

She works with students, helping create strong learning environments and supporting young people every day. But her work doesn’t stop in the classroom — Deanne has also organized alongside families, especially mothers and caregivers, to advance maternal health, reproductive justice, and access to the resources children need to thrive.

From her time as a City Year instructional coach to her organizing on issues like education, transit, and family economic stability, Deanne has built a reputation for bringing people together and getting things done.

She’s running for State Representative because she believes families in our district deserve more than just getting by — they deserve real opportunity, real investment, and a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.

Michigan State House District 8 sits at the intersection of Detroit and inner-ring suburbs Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge. It’s a diverse district of working families, young professionals, and longtime residents who share priorities like strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and access to opportunity.

At the same time, the district faces challenges—from transit gaps to rising housing costs—that require practical, community-driven solutions. Residents expect leadership that brings people together, listens, and delivers real results that help families thrive.

CHIP IN TO ELECT DEANNE AUSTIN

Deanne is building a campaign rooted in community—focused on better schools, stronger neighborhoods, and real support for working families. Your contribution helps power outreach, connect with voters, and keep this movement growing. Together, we can bring people-first leadership to Lansing.

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Issues

  • Invest in Public Education

    As an educator, Deanne Austin has seen firsthand what students and teachers need to succeed. She’s committed to strengthening public schools by ensuring classrooms are fully resourced, educators are supported, and every student—no matter their zip code—has access to a high-quality learning environment. Deanne believes education is the foundation of opportunity, and she’ll fight for investments that reduce class sizes, expand support services, and create safe, engaging spaces where students can thrive.

  • Expand Public Transit & Access

    Deanne knows that reliable transportation is essential to opportunity. Through her work organizing around transit access, she has helped bring people together to push for better funding and more equitable systems. In Lansing, she’ll work to expand affordable, reliable transit options that connect residents to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services. Deanne supports regional solutions that reflect how people actually move through our communities and believes transit should be a tool for economic mobility—not a barrier.

  • Protect Reproductive Freedom & Expand Healthcare Access

    Deanne has organized alongside mothers and families to advance maternal health and reproductive justice, and she knows access to care is essential. She believes everyone deserves the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions and access affordable, quality care.

    In Lansing, Deanne will fight to protect reproductive freedom, expand healthcare access, and address maternal health disparities—ensuring care is equitable, accessible, and rooted in dignity for every Michigander.

  • Support Working Families

    Deanne’s organizing work has centered families—especially mothers and caregivers—who are navigating rising costs and limited resources. She’s committed to expanding access to affordable childcare, healthcare, and housing so families can achieve stability and long-term security. Deanne will advocate for policies that lower everyday costs and increase economic opportunity, ensuring families don’t just get by, but have the support they need to build a better future.

  • Protect Our Environment

    As a Detroit Future City ambassador for sustainability, Deanne understands the importance of environmental justice and sustainable investment. She’ll work to hold corporate polluters accountable, including pushing for stronger oversight of utilities like DTE. Deanne supports investments in clean energy and infrastructure that lower costs for residents while protecting our air and water. She believes every community deserves a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

  • Deliver Accountable Leadership

    Deanne believes leadership starts with listening. Throughout her career, she has brought people together, built relationships, and stayed grounded in the real experiences of her community. In Lansing, she’ll be accessible, transparent, and responsive—keeping residents informed and involved in the decisions that impact their lives. Deanne is committed to protecting voting rights and ensuring government works for the people it serves.

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Deanne

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