Mary Cavanagh

Mary Cavanagh was born in Redford Township, Michigan to parents Phil Cavanagh and Lily Cavanagh.[1][2] In December 2020, Mary earned a bachelor's degree in physical anthropology from Wayne State University.[3][4]

Cavanagh has previously served as a precinct delegate for Redford Township, a board member of the Michigan Democratic Women's Caucus, and as director of the New Start Construction Company.[3][4] On August 4, 2020, Cavanagh won the Democratic primary for the Michigan House of Representatives representing the 10th district.[5] Another candidate however, Brenda Hill, had declared victory on and after election day, but after the absentee ballots had been counted, it was shown that she had lost to Cavanagh. Hill, who was in second place in the primary, disputed these results, and called for investigation into the election by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The fact that Cavanagh's mother was the treasurer of Redford Township was a source of suspicion to Hill. On August 12, Hill had organized a protest at the Redford Township Hall.[2] Later, on December 2, Hill accused Cavanagh of carpetbagging. She claimed Cavanagh lived in Garden City, Michigan, which is outside of the 10th district, and that she did not live in Redford Township with her father as she claimed.[1] On November 3, 2020, Cavanaugh was elected to the state house. She assumed office on January 1, 2021, and she currently represents the 10th district.[5]

Cavanagh was an AmeriCorps member.[4]