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DOWAGIAC — Gerik Maverick, a long-time nonprofit and community leader, announced his campaign for State Representative in Michigan’s 37th House District. 

According to a news release, the Dowagiac resident is entering the race to protect workers, invest locally, and ensure every child has a fair shot at success.

“I know what it’s like to struggle, to live paycheck to paycheck. Growing up I remember relying on programs like free school lunch as my parent’s small business fell apart during the 2008 financial crisis.” said Maverick. “Michigan’s 37th House District deserves a representative who takes their job seriously, a representative who focuses less on posting on social media and pontificating on the house floor, and more on how they can deliver for the people of Southwest Michigan. We need leaders, not dividers. We need fighters, not keyboard warriors.”

Maverick, formerly a credentialed minister, has spent the last several years advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, working in the community to build sustainable support networks, and fighting for policies that lift people up. 

“During my time in ministry I saw the value of good leadership. Leaders who led with wisdom, grace, and love. This is the kind of leadership I want to bring to Lansing.”

Maverick’s campaign plans to focus on issues such as:

Fighting for Workers and Unions

• Strengthening Education for All
• Keeping Local Money Local
• Protecting Our Towns, Farms, and People
• Defending Our Rights

Over the coming months, Maverick will be traveling across the 37th district, meeting with neighbors and listening to the issues that matter most to them. Maverick will host regular “coffee hours” open for community members to stop by, support a local business, and speak with the candidate. The first three dates and locations have been announced with more to come in the following weeks. 

• Saturday, May 10 – Baker’s Rhapsody from noon to 2 p.m. in Dowagiac
• Saturday, May 17 – Niles Brewing Company from noon to 2 p.m. in Niles
• May 24th – Commune+Market from noon to 2 p.m. in Three Oaks

To learn more, visit maverickformichigan.com.