Kristen Lee McDonald Rivet (; born July 11, 1970) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th congressional district since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served in the Michigan Senate for the 35th district, where she was the assistant majority floor leader from 2023 to 2025. Her district, located in Central Michigan, includes Flint and the Tri-Cities metropolitan area of Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City.
Early life and education
McDonald Rivet was born on July 11, 1970, in Portland, Michigan, where she was raised with her fraternal twin sister, Karen McDonald, and an older sister. Her father was a construction worker, while her mother stayed home to raise the children.
She went to Portland High School and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Michigan State University in 1992. She later earned a master's degree in public administration and education from the University of Michigan–Flint in 2010.
Career
Prior to entering politics, McDonald Rivet served as chief of staff for State Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan and was vice president of the Skillman Foundation. Her first political position was in the Charter Commission for Bay City, Michigan. McDonald Rivet followed that up by serving as a member of the Bay City Commission, representing the city's 2nd ward.
Michigan Senate
McDonald Rivet was elected to the Michigan Senate in November 2022, defeating Republican state Representative Annette Glenn. She represented the state's 35th district and was the assistant majority floor leader. She served on multiple committees, including the appropriations, economic and community development, education, energy and environment committees, and several budget subcommittees.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2024
McDonald Rivet declared her candidacy to run for the United States House of Representatives Michigan's 8th congressional district to replace the retiring Dan Kildee in the 2024 Democratic primary. McDonald Rivet won the election.
Tenure
In 2025, McDonald Rivet was one of 46 House Democrats who joined all Republicans to vote for the Laken Riley Act.
Committee assignments
For the 119th Congress:
- Committee on Agriculture
- Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit
- Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
- Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
Personal life
Kristen is married to Joseph Rivet, a former politician. They have six children and live in Bay City, Michigan. She is Roman Catholic.
Electoral history
References
External links
- Campaign website
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
