At the commencement of the 118^th Congress Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced that she will not seek reelection in 2024.  Senator Stabenow has held her seat since 2001 defeating a Republican opponent.  She was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the 8^th Congressional District of Michigan from 1997 to 2001.  Sen. Stabenow chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee from 2011 to 2015 and again since 2021.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1972 and a Master of Social Work in 1975

Sen. Stabenow was instrumental in shepherding the 2012 U.S. Farm Bill through the 113^th Congress and has championed SNAP and other social programs that have benefited both the underprivileged and the agricultural sector.  In 2017 she was active in opposing the imposition of work-requirements on SNAP recipients.  She has promoted healthcare voting for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and has sponsored legislation to improve education.  Sen. Stabenow has been active on environmental issues opposing restraints by the EPA on greenhouse gas emissions and has promoted science and public health during the discussions leading up to the 2023 Farm Bill. Her experience and legislative skills will be extended to the upmost in developing and finalizing the Farm Bill in 2023.