David Michel (born August 8, 1974) is an American politician who is a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 146th district in Fairfield County. Michel Co-Chairs the CT Animal Advocacy Caucus with fellow State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria.[1]
Career
Politics
David Michel has described himself as a "progressive Democrat".[2] In the Connecticut House of Representatives, Michel has proposed bills enabling Connecticut municipalities to allow ranked-choice voting,[3] authorized state funding for a study on excessive rent increases,[4] banning the sale of products containing kangaroos,[5] and establishing an "Office of the Food Access Advocate" to aim to eliminate food deserts in the state.[6] Michel has advocated for a public state bank, splitting the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection into two different agencies, a $15 minimum wage, and universal pre-K.[7]
Michel has spoken in favor of Black Lives Matter movement,[8] as well as the Independent Drivers Guild, a group of rideshare drivers advocating for better pay.[9] Michel has been critical of increased development in Stamford during the 21st century, and has said it raises concerns about the local environment and displacement of existing residents.[7]
As of 2018, Michel is a member of the environmentalist non-profit Sea Shepherd.[2]
Electoral history
Michel unsuccessfully contended for State Senator for Connecticut's 27th District in 2014 under the Green Party banner.[10] Michel won 1.6% of the vote, compared to Democrat Carlo Leone, who won 54.7% of the vote, and Eva A. Maldonado, who won a combined 43.7% on the Republican Party and Independent Party lines.[10]
Michel won the Democratic Party primary election for the 146th District of the Connecticut House of Representatives on August 14, 2018, against incumbent Terry B. Adams, winning 68.5% of the vote versus Adams' 31.5%.[11]
Michel was elected in the general election for the 146th District on November 6, 2018, winning 72.4% of the vote, versus the 27.6% won by Republican candidate Dan Pannone.[12]
Michel was re-elected to serve the 146th District on November 3, 2020, winning 70.5% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate George Hallenbeck, who won 29.5%.[13]
MIchel was again re-elected for the 146th District in November 2022, winning 63.3% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Jessica Demmo, who won 33.3%, and Independent Party candidate Thomas Concannon, who won 3.4%.[14]
Eyewear
David Michel also works as a wholesale distributor for designer European eyewear.[15]
Personal life
Michel was born in Nevers, France,[2] and moved to the United States at the age of fourteen.[7] Michel has stated that his mother is an advocate for French retirees living abroad, and was once a regular speaker in the French National Assembly.[16] His father, Jacques Michel (French/American born in Australia), has been a commissioned agent in the Steel industry most of his life after his role as Director of Sales for a French steel manufacturer. [citation needed][clarification needed] As of 2020, Michel is married to his wife Jenny.[15]
References
- ^ Michel, David (2021-02-10). "Animal Advocacy Caucus". www.housedems.ct.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ a b c "États-Unis - David Michel, un candidat démocrate au Parlement du Connecticut... né à Nevers" [fr:David Michel, a Democratic candidate for the Connecticut Parliament... born in Nevers]. Le Journal du Centre (in French). Groupe Centre France. 2018-11-06. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ Bravo, Jessica (2023-01-12). "Will CT adopt ranked-choice voting? It's possible, legislators say". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ Soule, Alexander (2022-08-14). "With rents soaring, CT officials could soon consider a cap on rental hikes". The News-Times. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ Gabrielle, Vincent (2023-01-30). "Why is Connecticut considering a ban on kangaroo products? Soccer cleats". CT Insider. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ "Stamford lawmaker: New legislation to combat food insecurity is 'off to strong start'". News 12 Connecticut. News 12 Networks. 2023-06-17. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ a b c Buisson, Alexis (2018-11-04). "David Michel, le Franco-Américain qui veut "nettoyer" le Connecticut" [David Michel, the Franco-American who wants to "clean up" Connecticut]. French Morning (in French). Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ "Stamford orders protesters occupying Latham Park to depart, but group vows to remain until demands for police reform are met". Hartford Courant. 2020-07-16. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ Caffrey, Jane (2023-02-16). "CT Rideshare Drivers Caravan to Demand Better Pay, Negotiating Power". NBC Connecticut. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ a b "State of Connecticut Elections Database » 2014 Nov 4 :: General Election :: State Senator :: District 27". State of Connecticut Elections Database. Secretary of the State of Connecticut. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ "State of Connecticut Elections Database » 2018 Aug 14 :: Democratic Primary :: State Representative :: District 146". State of Connecticut Elections Database. Secretary of the State of Connecticut. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ "State of Connecticut Elections Database » 2018 Nov 6 :: General Election :: State Representative :: District 146". State of Connecticut Elections Database. Secretary of the State of Connecticut. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ "2020 CT Live Election Results". Connecticut Post. 2020-11-02. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ "CT election results: See who won races for governor, Senate, more". CTInsider. 2022-11-08. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ a b Del Valle, Verónica (2020-09-27). "David Michel: Democrat, candidate for the 146th state House District". Stamford Advocate. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ Kaufman, Richard (2022-10-20). "CT Patch Candidate Profile: David Michel For 146th House District". Stamford, CT Patch. Patch Media. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
