Dylan Wegela

Dylan Wegela is an American politician from Garden City, Michigan. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served in the Michigan House of Representatives for District 26 since 2023.^[1][2][3]

Dylan Wegela
Wegela in 2023
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 26th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2023
Preceded by	Jim Ellison
Personal details
Political party	Democratic
Residence	Garden City, Michigan
Alma mater	Eastern Michigan University (BA)
Website	House website Campaign website

Early life and education

Wegela grew up in Livonia, Michigan.^[3][4] His parents both worked for the Danny's Foods grocery store during his childhood.^[3] Later, his dad opened a bakery and a business that owns and operates vending machines, while his mom worked at a factory.^[3] His grandparents worked at Ford and General Motors, and were members of UAW.^[3][4]

He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.^[4]

Early career

Wegela speaks at a Red for Ed strike in 2018.

Before running for the Michigan House, Wegela spent 7 years as a teacher, union organizer, and education activist, living in South Korea, Arizona, and Michigan.^[4]

Wegela "cut [his] teeth" organizing for Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign in 2016.^[3] Later, he was part of the "Red for Ed" teacher strike wave in Arizona, where he founded Arizona Educators United and secured over $400 million for public education.^[3] He then became president of his union local, the Cartwright Education Association.^[3]

State legislature

House of Representatives

Wegela was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives on November 8, 2022.^[5] He was reelected in 2024.^[6]

Personal life

Wegela resides with his wife Anna, a social worker, in Garden City.^[4] He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.^[7]