Sharon MacDonell

Sharon MacDonell is a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 56th House District, which encompasses parts of Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Township. She was elected to her first term in 2022 and assumed office on January 1, 2023. She was reelected to a second term in office in 2024.

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
Political party	Democratic
Education	University of Michigan
Website	https://housedems.com/sharon-macdonell/

Early life and education

MacDonell was born on April 9, 1962, in Bethpage, New York.^[1] MacDonell grew up in Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in history.^[2] MacDonell then worked for several automotive and broadcasting firms as a journalist, marketing professional, and video producer.^[2]

Political career

MacDonell successfully ran in 2022 as a Democrat for the Michigan House of Representatives 56th district, defeating the Republican candidate Mark Gunn.^[3][4] In 2024, MacDonell successfully ran for reelection, defeating the Republican candidate Dave Kniffen.^[5]

Committee assignments

2023-2024

• Energy, Communications and Technology^[6]
• Families, Children and Seniors^[7]
• Higher Education^[8]
• Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure (Majority Vice Chair)^[9]
• Health Policy subcommittee on Behavioral Health^[10]

2025-2026

• Oversight^[11]
• Oversight subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security (Minority Vice Chair)^[12]
• Oversight subcommittee on the Child Welfare System^[13]

Electoral history

2022 Michigan's 56th House of Representatives district Democratic primary results^[14]

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^[4]

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^[5]

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