Sharon MacDonell

Sharon MacDonell (born April 9, 1962)^[1] is an American journalist and politician serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives since 2023, representing the 56th district. She is a member of the Democratic Party.^[2]

Sharon MacDonell
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 56th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2023
Preceded by	TC Clements
Personal details
Born	(1962-04-09) April 9, 1962 (age 63) Bethpage, New York
Party	Democratic
Education	University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (BA)
Website	https://housedems.com/sharon-macdonell/

Early life and education

MacDonell was in Bethpage, New York.^[1] MacDonell grew up in Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in history.^[3] MacDonell then worked for several automotive and broadcasting firms as a journalist, marketing professional, and video producer.^[3]

Political career

MacDonell successfully ran in 2022 as a Democrat for the Michigan House of Representatives 56th district, defeating the Republican candidate Mark Gunn.^[4][5] In 2024, MacDonell successfully ran for reelection, defeating the Republican candidate Dave Kniffen.^[6]

Committee assignments

2023-2024

• Energy, Communications and Technology^[7]
• Families, Children and Seniors^[8]
• Higher Education^[9]
• Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure (Majority Vice Chair)^[10]
• Health Policy subcommittee on Behavioral Health^[11]

2025-2026

• Oversight^[12]
• Oversight subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security (Minority Vice Chair)^[13]
• Oversight subcommittee on the Child Welfare System^[14]

Electoral history

2022 Michigan's 56th House of Representatives district Democratic primary results^[15]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Sharon MacDonell	6,902	58.88%
	Democratic	Cyndi Peltonen	4,821	41.12%
Total votes			11,723	100.0

2022 Michigan's 56th House of Representatives district general election^[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Sharon MacDonell	24,630	57.93%
	Republican	Mark Gunn	17,887	42.07%
Total votes			42,517	100.0

2024 Michigan's 56th House of Representatives district general election^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Sharon MacDonell (incumbent)	29,111	57.19%
	Republican	Dave Kniffen	21,790	42.81%
Total votes			50,901	100.0