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.

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