Don Ufford Joins Michigan’s Congressional Race, Aiming to Challenge Trump’s Policies
Don Ufford, a former Ford engineer, has declared his candidacy for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, focusing on strengthening the state and opposing the Trump administration’s policies. Ufford, a Democrat, aims to address issues he perceives as threats to Michigan’s future.
In his campaign video, Ufford stated, “Today our future in Michigan is at risk. Donald Trump and his far-right backers are crashing the economy with tariffs that will devastate our auto industry and put a tariff tax on Michigan families, increasing the cost of everything — all while Trump destroys climate science, dismantles public education, restricts our freedoms, and puts lives at risk while cutting health care.”
Ufford, who grew up on a South Dakota farm, believes his background resonates with many Michigan families. His parents instilled in him the importance of community service, which he continued throughout his life. His early experiences in problem-solving and engineering prepared him for a successful career at Ford, where he eventually became Director of Global Vehicle Engineering.
As a first-generation college graduate, Ufford’s education was made possible through student loans and Pell grants, culminating in an MBA from the University of Michigan. His work at Ford and subsequent roles in federal agencies, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Made in America Office, highlight his dedication to workforce development, having secured over $50 million for Michigan’s future job training.
Ufford has been active in Michigan’s community, participating as a Scout Leader for 40 years and mentoring STEM students through FirstRobotics. His commitment to youth development aims to provide role models and opportunities within the community. “I want to use opportunities like this in order to continue to bring people together,” Ufford explained.
Challenging the Trump Administration
Ufford’s campaign centers on opposing the Trump administration’s economic and social policies. He argues that these policies undermine climate science, public education, health care, and personal freedoms. Ufford seeks to lower costs and protect health care while advocating for increased U.S. manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is important to us, and I’m going to be looking for solutions. But I’m going to fight back when they do things that hurt Michigan,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of creating jobs and fostering education and workforce development.
Ufford’s campaign aims to alleviate economic anxiety and provide Michigan families with security and confidence. “There’s real economic anxiety, and my campaign is about connecting those families and uniting voters around solutions,” he added.
Ufford faces competition for the Democratic nomination from state Sen. Jeremy Moss and attorney Aisha Farooqi. Meanwhile, Republicans Anthony Paesano and Mike Steger have entered the race.
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