Martinez: “Bridget understands what's at stake for working families across Lansing and mid-Michigan, and she has the experience, integrity, and values to get it done.”

LANSING, MI – Today, Lansing City Councilwoman (At-Large) Clara Martinez endorsed Bridget Brink for Congress in Michigan’s Seventh Congressional District.

"As a public school teacher, I've seen firsthand how education can change the course of a child's life. Our students, families, and educators deserve leaders who will invest in our communities, and that's why I'm proud to endorse Bridget Brink for Congress,” said Lansing City Councilwoman (At-Large) Clara Martinez. “Bridget understands what's at stake for working families across Lansing and mid-Michigan, and she has the experience, integrity, and values to get it done. She will fight for our kids, our schools, and our future."

“Lansing City Councilwoman Clara Martinez is a fierce and tireless advocate for the kids and hardworking families across our city," said Bridget Brink, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Democrat running for Michigan’s Seventh Congressional District. “Councilwoman Martinez has dedicated her life to serving and building our community - as an AmeriCorps VISTA, as an educator, and as a City Councilwoman. I’m so proud and honored to have her endorsement and I look forward to working with her to fight for our kids, their families, and our future.”

Bridget’s 41st endorsement — 28th by a current or former Michigan elected leader — comes on the heels of Bridget maintaining her fundraising and cash-on-hand advantage in her latest FEC filing and a new poll showing Brink with a double-digit lead in the MI-07 primary. The Cook Political Report recently highlighted Brink’s momentum, describing her as “the quintessential Trump resister” and “a strong fundraiser.” With over $2.25 million raised since her launch in mid-June, Bridget Brink is the number one fundraiser among Democratic challengers in Michigan.

Councilwoman Clara Martinez is a public school teacher, social worker, and At-Large Member of the Lansing City Council. Since 2017, Clara has served as Dance Director of the Everett High School Dance Program, and is currently Chair of the Everett Visual & Performing Arts Department, in the Lansing School District. She is a lifelong dancer with a passion for community building. From her years of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA, to honing her craft as an arts educator, Clara knows that students and community members are the experts- everyone else is in service to them. She is a proud union member and advocates for students and educators in the Lansing Schools Education Association as a Board Member, and as a Delegate of the Michigan Education Association at the National Education Association Representative Assembly.

Previously, Clara has served on a variety of municipal and non-profit boards, notably as the Chair of the Michigan Dance Council, the state affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization, as a Board Member of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy in Lansing, which provides free hip hop arts education programs to children and families throughout the Midwest, as well as Co-Chair of the City of Lansing Mayor's Arts and Culture Commission, which she co-led to transitioning to the permanent Lansing Arts & Culture Commission. As a first time candidate, Clara ran for one of two open At-Large positions on the Lansing City Council, eager to serve her community, winning first place, and was elected to serve on November 4, 2025. Councilwoman Martinez was sworn in for her four year term and assumed office on January 1, 2026. Her priorities and passions include safe and vibrant neighborhoods, reliable city services, and opportunities for our youth to grow and shine. Clara has received a variety of honors and awards at local, regional, and national levels. She earned her Master of Social Work in Organization & Community Leadership from Michigan State University, and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The Ohio State University.

###