Stabenow, Debbie, 1950-

Deborah Ann Stabenow (née Greer, born April 29, 1950) is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Michigan, a seat she was first elected to in 2000. A member of the Democratic Party, she became the state's first female U.S. senator after defeating Republican incumbent Spencer Abraham.

Born in Gladwin, Michigan, Stabenow grew up in Clare, graduating from Clare High School before receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in 1972 and a Master of Social Work magna cum laude from Michigan State University in 1975. While in graduate school, Stabenow won her first election to public office: the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, on which she served from 1975 to 1978. Stabenow served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1979 to 1990, where she became the first woman to preside over the House. She also served in the Michigan Senate from 1991 to 1994.

Falling short in her attempt to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary in 1994, she was chosen as the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor that year but the Democratic ticket was soundly defeated. In 1996, Stabenow ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman Dick Chrysler for the opportunity to represent Michigan's 8th congressional district. She defeated Chrysler 54%–44%. In 1998, she was reelected with 57% of the vote.

Stabenow did not seek reelection to the House in 2000, choosing instead to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham. She won the Democratic primary unopposed. In the general election, Stabenow defeated Abraham 49.5%–48%. She has been reelected to the seat three times.