District 35 has a special election coming up, and getting to know the candidates is one of the most important things we can do to vote with clarity and confidence. Below is an introductory overview of my conversation with Chedrick Greene. Watch the full interview video—the time-stamped sections make it easy to jump to the topics you care most about.
This conversation is part of Michigan Women’s mission to help residents learn about their local candidates in a straightforward, accessible way — without endorsements, partisanship, or spin.
Check out the article, Michigan Senate District 35 2026 Candidates
Chedrick Greene’s roots trace back to Northern Louisiana, where his parents grew up before moving to Michigan in search of better opportunities. He shared that they left the Jim Crow South because Michigan represented hope for working- and middle-class families—a place where people could build a better life. Now, he says, he’s running for office to help restore that same sense of opportunity and belonging for future generations.
Greene joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve shortly after graduating from Saginaw High School and later worked for the local fire department. He went on to serve on active duty, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant Major and overseeing more than 1,500 Marines and sailors across multiple assignments. He officially retired from military service in April 2024.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Chedrick Greene found himself searching for his next professional chapter—something that would keep him engaged in his community. Having always held multiple jobs, he was used to a fast pace, but with only one job for the first time in years, he began looking for a part-time role that would still make an impact.
That search led him to a position as a district assistant in Michigan’s 35th Senate District, working for State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet. Greene described the experience as eye-opening. It gave him a deeper understanding of the district—especially its newly redrawn lines—and brought him into close contact with residents, local leaders, and the challenges their communities face.
In this role, Greene attended public meetings, supported constituent services, and helped ensure concerns from across the region were communicated back to Senator McDonald Rivet. He represented the Senator at local events—such as county superintendent meetings, farmer legislative breakfasts, and civic and service organization gatherings—particularly when scheduling conflicts prevented her from attending in person.
“The Senator can’t be everywhere,” Greene said, “but the district still needs to be seen, heard, and supported.” As a district assistant, he worked behind the scenes to help connect local organizations and residents with the resources and state-level support they needed.
Even before the special election was announced, Greene said he felt a growing sense of responsibility. With the Senate seat vacant and uncertainty about when it would be filled, he continued pushing district concerns through proper channels, working closely with the Senate caucus despite not having a vote himself. “That’s what constituent services is,” he explained. “Making sure people have a voice and that their concerns don't stop at the door.”
(Learn a little more at Ballotpedia.org/chedrick_greene)
Greene described what he sees as an affordability crisis affecting many families in District 35. He pointed to rising costs for groceries, transportation to and from school, and health care, alongside wages that have not kept pace. In his view, many full-time workers earning $16–$18 an hour are struggling to cover basic needs, particularly when cost-of-living increases are limited or unavailable.
He also raised concerns about how assistance programs interact with work. Greene said some families face difficult tradeoffs when earning slightly more can result in losing supports before wages fully bridge the gap. He framed affordability as closely connected to safety, workforce participation, and long-term community stability.
Greene said the region has strong assets—including access to I-75, available land, colleges and universities, and a skilled trades workforce—but that alignment is needed to translate those strengths into more local job opportunities. He noted that while employers like Dow and regional hospitals provide employment, manufacturing jobs that once supported the area are limited, and many skilled workers leave the region to find consistent work elsewhere.
In his view, attracting businesses that offer good wages, benefits, and retirement options is key. He emphasized that workforce readiness and regional coordination matter, and said success depends on multiple entities—education, local government, and employers—working toward shared goals.
Drawing on his experience in the fire service, Greene described safety as both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal issue. He spoke about responding daily to people in crisis situations that may be routine for first responders but represent some of the most difficult moments in residents’ lives.
He also highlighted capacity challenges, noting that some fire apparatus operate with fewer firefighters than the nationally recommended number, and that local police departments are stretched thin. Greene said safety is not only about response, but also prevention—addressing root causes so fewer emergencies occur in the first place.
When asked about crime rankings, Greene cautioned against viewing Saginaw in isolation. He said crime exists across urban, suburban, and rural areas, and emphasized that Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties function as an interconnected region.
He pointed to areas within Saginaw—such as Ojibway Island, downtown, and the Veterans Memorial Plaza—as examples of active, well-used community spaces. In his view, reducing crime requires both adequate law enforcement resources and investment in prevention, including social workers, youth engagement, and access to employment opportunities.
Greene described public education as foundational to the region’s future. He said Michigan schools are still managing the effects of long-term underinvestment, and that recent increases in per-pupil funding, while helpful, do not immediately resolve decades of strain.
He emphasized the importance of support staff—counselors, social workers, and prevention specialists—and said that after-school programs, mentorship, and exposure to career options can help reduce long-term challenges. In his view, education, workforce development, housing, and affordability are interdependent issues that must be addressed together.
Greene discussed the value of exposing students to a wide range of career paths, particularly those available locally. He described conversations about mentorship programs that could connect students with city jobs and skilled trades, helping young people understand opportunities they may not otherwise see.
He also addressed uncertainty around emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. While acknowledging change, Greene said many essential jobs—such as infrastructure, utilities, and skilled trades—will continue to require hands-on work, and emphasized preparing students for a broad range of possibilities.
Asked about data centers and similar development projects, Greene said the issue requires balance. He acknowledged interest from labor groups and the potential for job creation, while also stressing the importance of protecting Michigan’s natural resources. He framed the question as one of equity—how to create employment opportunities while preserving the state’s environmental assets.
Throughout the conversation, Greene returned to one central idea: being a “working leader.” He said he wants residents to see him as someone who understands long shifts, tight margins, and the responsibilities that come with supporting a family and a community.
He emphasized his commitment to strengthening the middle class, improving affordability and safety, and protecting fundamental freedoms. As he put it, “P is not for party—it’s for People,” reflecting his view that representatives should be guided by the needs and priorities of the communities they serve.