Make Michigan Voices Matter

Combat Veteran • Healthcare Professional • Working Mother

I'm not a politician, but I am running as a Democratic candidate for US Senate from Michigan. Michigan needs leaders who understand the priorities of average Michiganders and will listen to all voices, not just the ones they agree with.

Learn About Rachel See Her Platform ● PULSE ●

Rachel's Story

Learn about Rachel's journey from combat medic to healthcare professional to candidate for US Senate

A Different Kind of Leader

I'm Rachel Howard, and I am not a politician. I'm a combat veteran who served our country for 14 years, a healthcare professional who has dedicated her career to helping others, and a working mother who understands the real challenges facing Michigan families.

As one of only 500 females ever to receive the Purple Heart, I've served in Iraq and Afghanistan, worked as an EMT in metro Detroit, and led groundbreaking research at the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to make the same impossible choice so many Michigan families face: choosing between career and children when childcare became unavailable. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges working families navigate every day.

My service is not yet done. I'm running for US Senate because Michigan needs a fresh look at getting things done.

Rachel Howard - Professional Portrait

Research & Publications

Rachel's evidence-based approach to healthcare policy is grounded in peer-reviewed research and published expertise in veterans' health and respiratory medicine.

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Policy Analysis

"The VA is not waste, it's a lifeline"

Government Executive Magazine, March 2025

Rachel's policy analysis on VA healthcare efficiency and the importance of maintaining robust veterans' services funding.

Read Full Article →
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Peer-Reviewed Research

"Post-Deployment Respiratory Health in Military Veterans"

Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 2022

Groundbreaking research on respiratory health impacts for veterans returning from deployment, informing clinical care protocols.

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Clinical Research

"Long-term Respiratory Impacts of Deployment Exposures"

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2023

Clinical study findings on long-term health impacts, directly informing veteran healthcare policy and treatment approaches.

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Research Impact

Rachel's published work has directly influenced VA clinical protocols and veteran healthcare policy. Her work on post-deployment respiratory health led to the creation of specialized clinics and improved treatment protocols for thousands of veterans nationwide.

A Lifetime of Service

From the battlefield to the research lab, Rachel has dedicated her life to serving others and solving complex problems.

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Combat Veteran

Served as Combat Medic in Michigan Army National Guard (2005-2019). Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Purple Heart recipient. Medical retirement after 14 years of dedicated service.

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Healthcare Professional

EMT in metro Detroit, clinical research staff at Henry Ford Health, and Research Health Science Specialist at VA (2021-2025). Created one of the only Post-Deployment Respiratory Health specialty clinics in the country.

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Educated Leader

Master's Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University with focus on leadership and systems change. Master's Degree in Public Health from George Washington University.

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Working Mother

Raising four sons in a blended family while managing career demands. Understands firsthand the challenges of balancing work, family, and childcare in modern America.

Michigan's Priorities

These simple priorities should be the focus of our elected officials - because they're what matter most to Michigan families.

🧸 Affordable Childcare

Make childcare costs tax-deductible and ensure parents have paid leave to bond with new children. No family should have to choose between career and children.

💼 Good-Paying Jobs

Support manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and small business growth to create stable, well-paid employment opportunities across Michigan.

🏥 Accessible Healthcare

Ensure affordable healthcare access, lower prescription costs, and fully fund VA services for our veterans who have served with honor.

🏘️ Small Town Revitalization

Invest in rural communities and small towns with infrastructure improvements, broadband access, and economic development opportunities.

🏠 Affordable Housing

Address the housing crisis with policies that make homeownership attainable and ensure quality rental options for working families.

📚 Excellence in Education

Provide education that prepares children not just to get through life, but to excel in it - from early childhood through college and trade schools.

🗳️ Register to Vote

You can register to vote with a valid Michigan driver's license or State ID. You're being redirected to the official State of Michigan website to complete your voter registration securely.

Paid for by Rachel Howard for US Senate | info@rachelforussenate.org

🤝 Join Our Team

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Note: All volunteer activities are unpaid. Volunteers may not be compensated for their time or activities.

🏛️ Secure Donation Portal

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FEC Notice: Individual contributions are limited to $3,300 per election. Corporate and foreign national contributions are prohibited. Contributor information may be required for donations over $200.