meet stephen
community driven
Stephen Wooden is running for state representative because he believes we are strongest when we look out for one another and remember our common hopes. This is something he learned early on.
Before moving to Grand Rapids, Stephen spent his early childhood in New York City. He was ten years old when we were attacked on September 11th. Though memories have faded over time, what he remembers most was how a city so large, with so many different walks of life, came together to support one another.
He learned then that people of all races, religions, incomes and backgrounds, at their core, want the same things. They want to live in safe neighborhoods, support their families, send their kids to good schools and even celebrate now and again. Stephen believes our leaders should build solutions that help make these common dreams a reality.
a leader in bringing down costs
Like most, Stephen has felt the impact of rising costs. When his son was diagnosed with a rare food allergy in 2022, one of the few things he could eat was a specific formula whose cost climbed to nearly $40 a day during the shortage that year. While they figured out how to get by, he believes no one should have to worry about how they’ll afford essentials like food, childcare or medicine.
For nearly a decade, Stephen has been helping everday Michiganders save on their monthly bills. He’s helped businesses and homeowners save on utility bills by investing in energy efficiency and rooftop solar. He’s helped develop or renovate nearly 1000 apartments and homes that everyday Michiganders can afford.
consensus builder
Stephen was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2024. Despite it being one of the least productive sessions in modern Michigan history, he was able to pass bipartisan legislation to modernize building codes to build more housing. As the ranking Democrat on the House Election Integrity Committee, Wooden has been on the front lines defending against far-right attempts to undermine our elections. He has proven time and again he’ll work with anyone and stand up to anyone in order to make Michigan freer, fairer and more affordable.
Prior to being in the Michigan House, Stephen served as a Kent County Commissioner for six years. There he also gained a track record of working with both sides without compromising his values.
cho0sing west michigan
Stephen’s family moved to Grand Rapids in 2005 when he was starting high school. Despite being states away and having vast differences, he saw the same problem-solving, value your neighbor attitude he came to love in New York. He chose to make Grand Rapids his home.
Stephen is a graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School and an Eagle Scout from Troop 271. After graduating from Michigan State University and working in the Lansing-area for a short time, he felt the call to come back home.
He and his wife Adelyn live in the Creston Neighborhood with their son, Sam. They spend their time going to Riverside Park, reading storybooks, playing around the house and trying to get Sam to bed on time.