Bridget Brink

A Lifetime of Service and Strong Michigan Values

A proud sixth-generation Michigander, Bridget Brink learned her Midwestern values from her family: hard work, integrity, and doing the right thing. Raised by a single mom, Bridget spent her early years living with her grandparents while her mom worked two jobs to make ends meet. She understands the struggles working families face because she lived them. Her family’s American Dream began in the 7th Congressional District when they came to Eaton County in 1860 as farmers.   

As the daughter of a Michigan public school teacher, Bridget is a strong believer in the power of education. She attended Michigan public schools and worked her way through college with grants, scholarships, and part-time jobs. Inspired by her family’s tradition of public service, she became a U.S. Foreign Service officer, serving under five presidents from both parties. For nearly 30 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Bridget dedicated herself to strengthening American alliances, defending freedom and democracy, and advancing U.S. interests.

The Leader Michigan Needs to Meet the Moment 

Bridget built her public service career by making tough calls and standing up for what’s right — even when it came at great personal cost. She began her service helping end the Balkan wars and supporting democracy in Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain. She was confirmed unanimously by the Senate to serve as our ambassador to Slovakia, and then again to Ukraine. 

As the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine — and the first woman to serve as ambassador in a war zone — Bridget led our on-the-ground effort to repel Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through nearly three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion — braving nightly relentless missile and drone attacks in the biggest war in Europe since World War II. And when the Trump administration pressured Ukraine while appeasing Russia, Bridget refused to go along. Instead, she resigned her post rather than participate in a foreign policy that undermined American values and endangered our national security. Her entire career reflects a clear principle: America is strong when we lead with our values.  

Bridget is running for Congress because she believes the chaos and corruption in Washington is hurting working families in mid-Michigan, who feel the American Dream slipping away due to rising costs of food, health care, and housing. Just as Bridget was diagnosed with breast cancer, Republicans in Washington voted to rip health coverage away from 25,000 mid-Michiganders, slash funding for lifesaving cancer research, and make health care more expensive for everyone. That cruelty made the fight for affordable, quality care personal. Bridget beat cancer because she had access to the care she needed and now she’s fighting to make sure every Michigander can say the same, no matter their ZIP code or their paycheck.

Bridget lives in Lansing with her husband, and is the proud mom of two sons. Bridget is running for Congress to ensure that the opportunity she had remains for every kid in her district. With a proven record of making the hard calls, tackling the toughest problems, and holding the powerful, accountable, Bridget is uniquely prepared to bring stability and integrity back to Washington. Michigan has always been front of mind in Bridget’s service to our nation. Now, she’s ready to bring that same dedication home — championing mid-Michigan working families by lowering costs, ensuring health care, and defending our democratic values — which she believes is the basis of American security and prosperity. 

Flip MI-07 and Defend Against Extremism 

Bridget is running for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, a seat currently held by MAGA Republican Rep. Tom Barrett, who has consistently doubled down on the reckless Trump agenda that has put billionaires ahead of working families and made costs — from health care premiums to utility bills — skyrocket. Bridget is the bold leader Michiganders need to fight for their fundamental freedoms, lower costs, and put community needs first. EMILYs List is proud to stand with Bridget in this critical flip opportunity and fight to take back the U.S. House in 2026.